2 Timothy 2: Purity of Heart
Friday, October 19, 2019
Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Again today we hear clear instruction from Paul about how an apostle of Christ is to conduct herself or himself.
What you have heard from me entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well.
It is also clear that we are not to hoard what we have learned but are to pass it along and to share it with others.
Bear you share of hardships along with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Paul also gives us ample warning that the life of apostleship is not an easy one. If we are entirely comfortable with who and where we are . . . we might look around to see who is lacking in something, and then begin the work of an apostle of Christ to bring justice to the world.
The Lord will give you understanding in everything.
We cannot back away from this work thinking that we are not God’s proper tool.
The word of God is not chained.
Nothing is impossible for God and God will find a way to open the path to which he has called us.
Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words.
We are to act our teaching more than we are to preach it.
Be eager to present yourself as acceptable before God.
We are to live the Word of God just as Jesus did.
In a large household there are vessels not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for lofty and others for humble use.
We have diverse gifts which God calls into use according to his vision of the world.
Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with purity of heart.
Purity of intent, purity of mind, purity of heart . . . we must strain to move beyond our lacks into our promise and potential.
Avoid foolish and ignorant debates for you know that they breed quarrels.
Bring peace. Create places of concord. Greet anger and anxiety with gentleness and mercy.
A slave of the Lord should not quarrel but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth, and that they may return to their senses out of the devil’s snare, where they are entrapped by him, for his will.
But do not back away from the challenge for when we do this we back away from God. We are to continue to run the race . . . and run it well . . . as best we are able.
Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with purity of heart.
To reflect more of Purity of Heart, click on the image above or go to: http://www.piercedhearts.org/purity_heart_morality/a_purity_heart.htm
Written on September 18, 2008 and posted today as a Favorite.
