This passage could have been written to Francis Asbury, one of the first General Superintendents (bishops) of the Methodist Church in the Colonies, later United States. In the picture above, the 24 yr. old Asbury is being ordained prior to his being sent here to America. His task was similar to Timothy, though young, his was a mission to preach the Gospel to all who would listen. I heard this past week about this movement West and how the Methodists were more successful than other denominations because unlike others who waited for those with similar beliefs to move to an area before moving in themselves, the Methodists saw potential converts in all people. And this passage reinforces that belief (v.10) We share the Good News with all people. Timothy is being warned by Paul about the untruths and "silly stories" that were being passed off as gospel. The admonition was to stay strong in the Lord by taking the disciplined life to heart. Age shouldn't matter, maturity in the faith does. The best teaching is by, as Paul says, "Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity." We are to read the Word of God, give counsel as needed and by sharing what we know in all settings as invited or prompted. Whether it was by ordination or baptism, we all share in a special gift of ministry which we should be putting into practice, to make believers out of the whole world, eventually disciples of Jesus who will join us, for the re-making of this world for the better.
You have no excuse, just an opportunity and a challenge to be as Timothy, regardless of faith, mature in faith, living a life that is a compelling and inviting sermon to the better life found in Jesus Christ!
PRAYER: Loving God, make my life a great sermon, and like Timothy I pray that I could teach by what I say, how I present myself, by my love, by my faith, and by my fair dealings with others; I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed life in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
