2 Timothy 2.20-26 (ESV)20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. I find passages like this one from Paul very challenging. First, we need to understand what Paul means when he applies the word “dishonorable” (verses 20-21). The point Paul is making in the use of the term “dishonorable” is taking that which is meant for good and abusing that gift. It is using something meant for good in a way it is not intended, and in the process, bringing about shame. Applied to God’s people, Paul wants believers to avoid doing anything that brings dishonor or shame upon themselves, thereby failing to honor and glorify the Lord.
This leads to Paul’s next set of encouragements regarding two common ways in which people, including Christians, tend to dishonor themselves: sexual immorality (youthful passions) and anger.
When it comes to sexual immorality and facing that kind of temptation, Paul is uni-voiced in his instruction. In every letter Paul writes where he addresses this concern, the instruction is always the same: RUN!
But it’s not just running away, it’s running to. Run to those things which honor the Lord and pursue them relentlessly (verse 22): things such as righteousness, faith, love, and peace.
Regarding anger, we get a bit more detailed instruction, which is invaluable for all of us, but especially for those in leadership. We are to do three things. First, don’t get drawn into useless conversations and debates. Second, be gentle, have patience, and teach others with gentleness and patience.
Third, trust the Lord with those people who are in opposition to faith in Christ. Pray for those who are your enemies as Jesus instructed, but it’s ultimately up to the Lord to soften and change their hearts.
That last reminder is difficult for us to follow because we want to change people and save them from the wrong direction that they are headed, but the job of Lord and Savior is already taken, and it doesn’t belong to you or me!
Our job, our calling in our relationship with Jesus, is to follow Him and join Him in the work which He is doing and to be ready and willing to go where He leads us as His sent, missional people in our culture and world.
As we pursue our own relationship with Jesus, we need to run away from the things that do not honor the Lord and run to everything that shines the light of Christ in the darkest of places. In my Bible, I have a name written down next to verses 22-26, “Henry.” Henry Greene was my pastor and my friend and more so a deeply influential mentor for my life and faith. I think of him often, and especially when I look at verses like these. Henry lived these verses in his leadership, especially verses 24-25. Henry breathed out these verses.
I can only imagine that these verses were on his heart when he faced people who were on the opposite side of the truth or who were opposed to him. If you knew Henry, you knew his heart and how unbelievable it is to fathom that someone would be angry with Henry because Henry was known for his kindness and gentleness with people, even for those with whom he struggled.
Gentleness and patience in correction are deeply challenging instructions from Paul but it does reflect the heart of Jesus when He told us to
love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you, (Matthew 5.43-48). However, this is the challenge for all of us as we partner with the Lord in His work, seeking to build up and gently instruct others, trusting in His timing and the work He is doing in their lives.
I’m constantly challenged and struggle to consider my words and my interactions in relation to those whose opinions differ from mine. How can I build them up in all gentleness and patience, trusting God’s good work and timing in their lives?
That’s the radical, life-changing faith in Christ that you and I are called to live out in all of our relationships; however, it’s especially true if you’re in a position of leadership.
God bless you, and know that you are constantly in my prayers.
Scott
