Making a Difference
I am currently involved in a study on the book of 1 Timothy. I’m fascinated by the beginning of the book.
Paul tells Timothy to stay in Ephesus and make a difference in what is happening there. It seems that some people there were getting caught up in what Paul calls ’speculations’ and ‘vain discussions’. These folks are stuck talking about things that either don’t matter, or in some cases are actually contrary to the gospel. At the least, they seem to be distracting the group from more important things.
Does this sound familiar? Are you currently working with a group that majors in the minors? Some groups trade the work of the Lord for being ‘busy’ talking about the work of the Lord. The first thing I’d like to note here is that Paul seems to think that groups that do this are not doing what’s right! I’ve seen groups that go on for years like this, and no one seems to mind that nothing is getting done. How many groups fade away and die; all the while talking and talking and talking. We have to be real about what is going on in our fellowship, and be busy working. So, how do we do that?
Mercifully, Paul gives us an answer to that question! In vs 5 he says, ‘The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.’ How good is that!?
What was the answer for Timothy, and for any of us that find ourselves in this situation? Demonstrate your sincere faith by living the love of Christ from a pure heart! Imagine if you were at Ephesus at this time. On the one hand you have a bunch of blowhards that are constantly talking and debating issues. On the other you see Timothy going about his business demonstrating true faith in Christ by loving and serving those around him. Which are you going to be drawn to?
When the church is full of people living the above charge, it will grow like crazy! And why not? People that live that kind of faith change the lives of those around them. Let’s all try to live out the charge that Paul shared with Timothy as we follow Christ this week!
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Awesome man! Question: How have you encouraged others to get out of the “minors” and start focusing on important parts of their faith?
I pray a lot about this ( one, for God to keep my family and I humble in this regard ) and to help change the lives of others around me. What would be a good starting point to discuss this with other brothers and sisters in Christ?
[…] Simplyeddie says we can all be Making a Difference, especially by living with love and by concentrating on what’s really important. It’s […]