By David ReayTuesday 12 Oct 2021LifeWords DevotionalsDevotionsReading Time: 2 minutes
Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. (NLT)
There is at times a fine line between bigotry and zeal for the gospel, between fearful paranoia which sees threats everywhere and discerning defence of the truth. Some churches, ministries, and websites spend much time and energy attacking what they believe to be enemies of the truth. They believe they are guarding the gospel.
But we need to be careful that we don’t primarily become known for what we oppose. We need to be careful that we don’t succumb to contempt or abuse in the cause of the truth. And of course we need to be careful that we are not attacking those on the same side who just happen to have some differences of opinion from us.
Are we defending the truth embraced by all true followers of Jesus, or are we simply deciding our interpretation of Scripture is right and thus everyone else is wrong? How many boxes do such people demand we tick before we are embraced as fellow believers rather than dangerous heretics?
Like Timothy, we are called to carefully guard the precious truth. But may our guardianship be wise and sensitive. And may our understanding of the precious truth be prepared to embrace those who may see some things differently, and who may express their faith differently.
Guarding the gospel must not involve smothering it with the clammy hands of bigotry.
Blessings,
David