These are the things I want you to teach and preach. If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors. Eventually there’s an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, a female Cardinal perched on a privet hedge branch outside my window. I stopped and studied her as she sat in the sunshine on this very cold, breezy day. The female is not the showier of the Cardinals…her sandy brown body sports just a hint of bright red at the crest and on the tail - unlike her male counterpart who is a brilliant red (hence the name “Cardinal”!) Yet she exuded such sweetness…such beauty…such purpose!
Surely at some point, this little bird will become a mother. She will shoulder the responsibility of ministering to her little charges. While her mate will assist her…much of the responsibility for setting a good example will fall to her. This little bird may not be a showoff, but her “mission” is vital…and that makes her all the more beautiful to me – and important in the circle of life.
The Apostle Paul is speaking this message to Timothy…”stay focused on what is the true mission of the church. Don’t get caught up in flash and grandeur…and most certainly do not begin to emphasize money – or its gain. Pay attention to the solid words of our Master Jesus – and emulate His teachings – and the rest will take care of itself. Recognize those who have a different agenda for who and what the church is about…and do not buy into what they are peddling!”
The message for all of us is to focus on the teachings of Jesus…grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, inclusion, compassion, and hope. This type of ministry may not be as glamorous or visually attractive as flashy trappings, grand buildings and expensive adornments. But like the mother Cardinal…your “mission” is vital and precious to Jesus. And that is really all that matters. Are YOU teaching and preaching the things that Jesus desires? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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