October 21st - Reflection

2 Timothy 3:1-9 (NRSV)
Godlessness

You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them! For among them are those who make their way into households and captivate silly women, overwhelmed by their sins and swayed by all kinds of desires, who are always being instructed and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth. As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people, of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith, also oppose the truth. But they will not make much progress, because, as in the case of those two men, their folly will become plain to everyone.

Reflection
We've all fallen to one or more of these sinful qualities listed in the above passage. It makes one wonder if I have been judged to be the person to avoid? You certainly can be overcome by your sins, but to what extent do we place this person in the category of avoidance?

But this passage isn't about avoiding people. It is about selecting bishops and deacons of the church. I think we welcome people with these characteristics, knowing that Christ has changed us and can change all people. But in the selection of the leaders of the church; these disciples are more mature in the faith. Their road to change has begun and they have traveled down this road in some degree. Christ has graciously given them many redeeming qualities. They have been down the road of the young believer and having begun in the sin as mentioned above, have found that trust and hope in Christ are the only means to living the life God chooses for us to live. Yes, the deacon and bishop will continue to sin, however, they also have been surrounded by a loving family of children of God who will boldly hold them accountable for their sin to drive them towards repentance, healing and reconciliation in the Church, and in Christ.

And that's the avoidance. Don't press an immature child of God into the role of bishop or deacon. Let them mature and be taught by Christ first. Let them understand the trap of sin and it's hold that it can have. Let them grow from milk, to soft food first. Then as their life in Christ begins to mature to solid food, consider the call to bishop, deacon, or leader in the church.

In this passage we drive the behavior of all disciples. A behavior of caring for one another as we live in sin. Acts of love abound and we all grow in the faith God gives us through the Holy Spirit and the witness of Jesus. In this scripture God lives and is manifested in his Church. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, as I mature, lead me to help others mature in the faith. As we come to the baptismal waters, freely pour forth your instruction and lead us to the cross and the blood and body that we all partake of making us one with you. --- Amen