What kind of a shopper are you? Do you enjoy the process of looking at things, scanning through shelves and racks to see what’s there without any idea of what you’re after? Or, are you like me?
I don’t even like to park in a stores parking lot without knowing what I need to get, and being 100% sure I couldn’t get it easier online. When I shop I’m on a mission. I identify my objective and attack.
Timothy was on a mission in Ephesus. He had been set on a task and it would require focus and discipline.
The Mission
“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,” 1 Timothy 1:3
Timothy was given the responsibility of teaching, and holding the teaching in this church to the standard of scripture. And there would be obstacles:
“Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” 1 Timothy 1:4
There was a damage that could and would be done to this church if he failed his mission. These diverging teachings would cause great division and distract from the message of the gospel.
The Means of Success
A mission can usually be accomplished a few different ways.
For instance, when I go into the store I could demand that everyone get out of my way. Ramming into carts and stands and bowling people over to get what I want. I could also take a fast approach, running through dodging people and things as I go hastily grabbing things off the shelfs even if they really aren’t what I need.
You see, It matters how we accomplish a mission.
Charity
“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:” 1 Timothy 1:5
How Timothy accomplished his mission mattered.
What would he gain if his mission was accomplished at the cost of Christ-like love?
Would it be worth it if he kept the teaching pure, but his own heart and conscience were defiled in the process?
How would the faith of others be strengthened if his faith was a fake?
Paul had seen all of this before in other teachers and didn’t want this result for his “son in the faith.”
“6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” 1 Timothy 1:6–7
These men are very good at talking (“vain jangling” means empty talk) but they don’t have any idea what they’re talking about.
Your Mission
Your mission, is to live out the teachings of Scripture in a way that oozes with with the love of God.
Your family, church, community, friends and coworkers need you to hold the line of scripture with strength. It’s not the time to back away from it. Or to let others do it who lack the christian character of charity.
We must be firm and bold in how we live and teach scripture. But this boldness MUST be accompanied by the Love of God.
Your Turn
Comment how someone has influenced your life for God by how they showed love.
What passages of scripture help you keep a focus of godly love in your ministry to others?
