Love

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, ⁴ traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God

2 Timothy 3:1-4

It’s a tough description. This particular stretch in Paul’s letter to Timothy provides a laundry list of misguided attitudes, desire, behaviors and priorities.  In the midst of this list is a great message about love. The message is summarized in two words that are tucked away in the fourth verse: “rather than”. At first these words may seem innocuous. But they are tethered to desire and choice. “Rather than” exposes what happens when a heart is inclined in the wrong direction. Oh, it’s not that Paul is teaching that self, money or pleasure is the great evil. Instead, Paul wants to warn against an unholy competition. Will I love money, rather than God? Will I love myself as if I am in charge of my life? Will I love pleasure so much that I would not consider suffering inconvenience on God’s behalf? Today, it’s easy to live a “rather than” life. But, the cost is immeasurable. Slowly, we forget that the objects of my affection motivate me. If my love for something other than God climbs to the top of my priorities, my life will drift. What do I love? Who do I love? I need to revisit these important questions on a regular basis. And I need to cultivate my love for God.

There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God. Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it; yet I do not advise you to do it from that motive. It is not pleasure which we ought to seek in this exercise, but let us do it from a principle of love, and because God would have us.

Brother Lawrence

God's gifts

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

Wise council is sometimes straightforward and to the point. Such is the case with this particular reminder from Timothy’s spiritual mentor. Paul reminded Timothy to reject fear and embrace the gifts of God. Paul understood that fear paralyzes and love is a catalyst for action. Another wise elder of the early church reminded the recipients of his letter “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). God’s love is an antidote for unhealthy fear. But, that is only the beginning. Not only does God give us love, He gives us power and a sound mind.

Sometimes power gets a bad name. There are many ways to exercise power. Is it possible to abuse power? Of course it is. I don’t think Paul is reminding Timothy of a God given power to abuse others or dominate the people he served. Instead, I believe the three gifts of God named by Paul in his letter to Timothy are interconnected.  God gives us power. God gives us love. And God gives us a sound mind. Love is at the center of it all. If my life is transformed by the love of God, my use of power will reflect His character. In essence, God empowers me to love others the way He has loved me. Likewise, God’s love will be reflected in the way I engage my mind. God’s love will help govern and illuminate my thoughts. A sound mind contributes to self-control. God love creates a craving for virtuous thinking and distaste for deception. It’s good for me to consider how the love of God impacts my judgment and decision-making. Also, it’s wise for me to recognize that when my thinking is dominated by fear, my perspective is apt to be distorted.

The New Testament is filled with descriptions of gifts that God loves to share with His children. Each is undeserved. The generosity of God is so difficult for me to fathom apart from my trust in His love for me. As a recipient of His love, I feel the weight responsibility that comes with power and a sound mind.

Training Day

1 Timothy 4:7-8

But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

When Paul sent his letter to Timothy, his spiritual son, he included some rich counsel. His deep concern for Timothy is evident. He tells Timothy to “exercise toward godliness”. Paul makes it clear that this type of exercise will be far more beneficial to Timothy than physical training.

So what’s the big deal? Why is it important to exercise toward godliness? I think the benefits are laced throughout Paul’s letters included in the New Testament, but I can think of three.

First, training for godliness establishes a clear direction for my life. It displays my intention to move in a particular direction. In 1 Timothy 4:7, Paul instructs Timothy to reject profane doctrines and teachings. Rejection is a type of withdrawal. It indicates movement away from something. In the same way, Paul encourages Timothy to move toward godliness. My life always has a direction. I am either moving toward Christ or toward things that distract me from Christ.

Second, training presupposes a goal or purpose. Paul has made the goal clear. God’s plan for me is to become more like Jesus. I will become more like Jesus when I exercise toward godliness. Paul uses a physical term to emphasis a purposeful investment of time and energy for a purpose. Christlikeness is the purpose.

Finally, training for godliness reminds me of my personal participation in God’s plan. I cannot disengage from exercise and expect to benefit. I participate in the process. I recognize the challenge. It is not always easy to choose the right direction over the wrong. Sometimes godliness requires me to swim against a strong cultural current. Resistance builds endurance. God is my source of strength. His grace makes it possible. But, I am fully alive in my pursuit of what is pleasing to God.

Double Vision

But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16)

Never underestimate God’s vision. It’s a message that emerges from the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy. Paul describes some of God’s greatest gifts. His grace. His mercy. His love. After all, Paul intends to encourage Timothy, his spiritual son.

What does Paul have to say about God’s vision? God has double vision. God has the unique ability to see our present and our future at the same time with equal clarity. When God forgave Paul for being a blasphemous, persecuting man of violence (Paul’s words, not mine), God could see that that the “forgiven” Paul would be a great example of what a recipient of grace looks like. God saw the depth of Paul’s need and the capacity of Paul’s testimony at the same time.

While it is impossible for us to see ourselves as God sees us, I believe it is possible to believe in God’s perspective. Could we dare to trust a God who knows us better than we know ourselves? Could we dare to believe that life that is lived by faith in God is far more secure than a fearful dependence upon we see? Why not admit that it is difficult to see beyond the present? A deeper, ruthless trust in God often begins with our willingness to acknowledge our own limitations.

Such trust unlocks a powerful transformation. Our vision clears and what seems ethereal becomes quite tangible. God leads us down a path toward what He sees. Our destination and His vision converge.

“The way of ruthless trust is not an abstraction, but a concrete, visible and formidable reality. It gives definition to our lives, reveals what is life-giving within us, shapes the decisions we make and the words we speak, prods our consciousness, nurtures our spirit, impacts our interaction with others, sustains our will-to-meaning in life, and gives flesh and bone to our way of being in the world.”

Brennan Manning, Ruthless Trust

Looking Ahead

Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition

2 Thessalonians 2:3

When Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians he addressed a considerable rumor that was floating around in the church. Apparently someone had claimed that Christ had already returned. Paul responds to this erroneous message by identifying two things that must come first. Namely, Paul wrote that there would be a “falling away” and the revealing of “the man of sin” before Christ’s return. While I believe Paul’s first priority was to combat the false teaching, I believe he wanted to provide a valuable lesson about preparing for the future.

How do I prepare for the future? Paul’s message paints a contrast between truth and deception. The appearance of “the man of sin” is described as a “revelation”.  It’s a powerful word that should remind us to beware of revelation that is contrary to God. If I desire to be prepared for the future, I must be able to distinguish between what is anti-Christ and what is Christ. This ability does not just pertain to the revealing of the man of sin at some date in the future. I need to recognize that deception is prevalent here and now. The only adequate antidote for deception is truth. Awareness is needed today. Late in the first century, John, the old apostle, warned the early church about “the Antichrist” but quickly added that many antichrists were at work. His writing reinforced what Paul taught. If I want to prepare for the future, I must know and love the Truth. Jesus identified Himself as the Way, the Truth and the Life. Our preparation for the future must never stray from our love and a deepening relationship for Christ.  It is in Christ that we find protection and hope. Remember, “The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

Wisdom

Does not wisdom call out?

Does not understanding raise her voice?

Proverbs 8:1

I was reading in Proverbs this morning. I have a devotional guide called 31 days of Wisdom from the Proverbs. The following comments on Proverbs 8 are such a clear guide for daily life. Each day presents many opportunities for focus on God's plan or distractions that pull us away. How do we discern the difference?  I like the threefold prescription of "prayer, patience and a commitment to truth". 

Wisdom calls out to us (see Proverbs 1:20–21; 8:1–4). Apparently, so does folly (see Proverbs 9:13–15). Their methods of communication are similar; they sit in public places shouting their advice to all who will listen. The difference between them is in what they say and the hearts they connect with. Those who are inclined toward God—who love him and want to do his will—will hear the voice of wisdom and respond. Those who have little depth and no desire for God—who can’t see beyond themselves and the present moment—will hear the voice of folly and respond. Two voices, two kinds of hearts; as a result, two drastically different journeys.

Which voice will we choose to trust? The question is more complicated than it seems: It doesn’t involve just a single choice but rather a series of choices every day, and sometimes folly imitates wisdom. But prayer, patience and a commitment to truth will reveal the difference and give us the discipline and courage to choose well. Hearts that crave wisdom will choose the right voice.

Brave Heart

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other

2 Thessalonians 1:3

When Paul wrote a letter to the church at Thessalonica he began by expressing his gratitude toward God for their spiritual development. The young believers had given Paul several reasons to give thanks. After all, their faith was growing, as was their love for one another. All in all, you could say that Paul was pleased with the reputation of the church.

I am impressed with the face value of the two virtues mentioned by Paul. Faith and love rank pretty high when it comes to the reputation of a follower of Christ. But behind these two virtues is another Christian virtue that is easily overlooked. I am referring to the evidence that the young believers were growing. Having faith is good. Growing faith is better. Love is essential. Growing our love by way of our actions toward one another is better. It strikes me as important that Paul includes descriptive terms that describe increase. Christian life is not a static existence. It is an adventure in transformation.

Such an adventure requires courage. Centuries ago, Fenelon (1651-1715) referred to need to follow God with a “brave heart”. He wrote, “God has little patience with those weak souls who say to themselves, ‘I shall go this far and no farther’”. Complacency is a formidable foe! Growth is the passion of a courageous heart. Let us resolve to continue to grow our faith and abound in love.