Devotion - Thursday, February 9

This morning I read from 2 Timothy 2.  Paul is giving advice to the young lad, suggesting ways in which he can serve God and do well among those to whom God has sent him.

One verse struck me:  "Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies;  you know that they breed quarrels."

We are in period of time when there are many, many quarrels going on.  I will refrain from labeling any of them as "stupid" or "senseless."  The emotions behind a quarrel reveals to us that what some may want to dismiss as stupid or senseless is very important to another.  Perhaps simply remembering this will prevent heated quarrels.

Paul knew that quarrels did very little to advance good and productive partnerships.  Paul knew that we are often dragged into contentious exchanges over topics which are not the real matter of concern.

We need to lift our voices, in the public arena, to ensure that the critique includes the question "What would Jesus do?"  As we lift our voices we should ourselves remember that Jesus never failed to see the person he was confronting as a fellow child of God.

Avoid stupid and senseless controversies.  Save your energy and your voice for the opportunities to speak the Word and will of God.