There are some challenging things in this passage, aren’t there? Again, Paul is helping Timothy with issues that are either happening in the young congregation, are bound to happen. You can probably relate to some of these in your own experience, I know I can.
For instance, complaints. It’s a sad truth that church people complain. We all have our idea of what it means to be a Christian, what a church service should look like, what a Bible passage says. When someone’s view differs with ours, there is a rub. We are not all created alike, and this is a good thing because sharing our unique opinions can be helpful to others, can help mold a ministry, and in turn we grow ourselves. It is when we take a negative spin and complain.
Can you remember a time when you had a favorite “something”? Perhaps a favorite outfit, a favorite food, or even a favorite friend. Did you treat that favorite differently from all the rest? Could you maybe say the others took a backseat to your favorite and were not included as often? I think taking that simple example and applying it to congregational leadership will speak volumes – Paul is warning us do not forget anybody! Everyone is important. God has not favorites and we should not either.
I haven’t done this before, but I want to open this up to discussion. What do you think about this passage? Pray for some wisdom, and then in the comments below share your thoughts on this passage.
Let’s pray: I pray for church leaders everywhere that you will give them wisdom and courage amidst their struggle to lead. Help them take refuge in you knowing that you are the one in control, you are the one to whom we put our trust. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
