Tuesday, May 24, 2011

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking..."

I don't think that I comprehended the full meaning of that verse until last night. I was given a firm rebuke for not being a strong and confident man of God by a beautiful woman of God whom I love dearly. Her rebuke has clear Scriptural backing, especially when viewed through the scope of Titus 2:6-8, "Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us." I think that the "sound speech that cannot be condemned" aspect especially stands out to me. It clearly implies that we need "sound speech" to be spiritually sound. In my own life, I've struggled to include the "speech" part. How can we be an effective testimony of Christ if we never say anything? Quietness and lack of interest in the lives of others is a sign of spiritual apathy, not holiness. My prayer is that God will take this weakness and turn it into a strength and my firm belief is that He will do this as I seek Him more and more in the days to come. I can't be a spiritual leader for this woman of God that I desire to lead if I don't take full confidence in the Lord and trust Him as I open my mouth. May all our lives be geared towards serving God and the people that he places around us in word and deed.

Blessings in Christ,

Josh