August 17

Today's readings: Jeremiah 46:13-47:7; 2 Timothy 3:1-17 [reflection]; Psalm 94:1-13; Proverbs 21:17-18

When Paul writes this letter to Timothy Paul is in prison.  He has been preaching, traveling, starting churches, training elders, and writing letters for a l-o-n-g time.  This letter may be the last he wrote.  

The first 9 verses in chapter 3 are a sober reminder to Timothy that you can't trust everyone.  Verse 5 is especially cautionary: "They (people) will act as if they are religious..."  

By contrast Paul offers his own life as an example of someone Timothy can trust.  "You know what I teach... and how I live, and what my purpose in life is.  You know my faith and how long I have suffered.  You know my love and my patient endurance.  You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured."

And then, in case Timothy missed the point, Paul tells him "Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."  Wow, Paul, way to encourage someone in ministry!

Hmmm, acting religious vs. living a godly life (with expected persecution).  Which side am I on?  Have I shown faith, love, and patient endurance such that anyone watching my life can tell?  Or is my religion an act that I discard in some situations, excusing myself by saying, "no one's perfect"?  Have I been persecuted for the way I live?  Have I endured suffering because of my faith?  Certainly, not in the way Paul was.  

So I need to look again at the way the first verses describe people and do a mental inspection of my life:  "People will love only themselves and their money.  They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful.  They will consider nothing sacred.... they will love pleasure rather than God."

Some of those things I can say "no" to quickly.  Others make me stop and consider.

I think that is the point of Scripture.  It holds a mirror up to my life and invites me to look in it.  The ugly parts need to be faced and worked on, like a blemish that needs extra attention.  I need to follow Paul's example and strive for faith, love, and patient endurance.  My goal should be that, at the end of my life, I can look in the mirror... and see Jesus.