I Think they may be wrong, but I'm not saying anything!

We can feel like this quite often in these trying times. One can end up unfriended in more ways than one or become the outright object of hate for disagreeing with people on some issues. But is this what God would have us do? Cower in the corner when we know certain things are not pleasing to him? Let's look at 2 Timothy 2:24-26. I think it has something important to say to us about current events, the authority of God’s Word, and alignment with the absolute truth found only in God.

“And the Lord's servant[e] must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”

The first thing you notice is the definition of the conduct of a Christian which is in stark contrast to what we see in our culture right now. The trick is to speak up in a manner that does not come across as quarrelsome or worse (and heaven forbid) judgmental. Now days, you can’t even respectfully disagree without being judged for being judgmental. Patience, the other critical word here, is difficult when we see so much evil, and deception of people under the dominion of Satan. This is a huge challenge for us who are passionate about our faith, seek to love God first, and still are committed to our country. But it also goes on to say we are to correct our opponents. Now here Paul is telling Timothy to correct those in the church who are spreading a false teaching about Christ’s return. But it is not limited to just a descriptive interpretation of the passage. It also has prescriptive application for us as a principle for faith and life in a broad sense.

Correcting our opponents with gentleness is the key. We must remember that our motivation for speaking up and opposing false ideology, wherever it manifests itself, is different than the than people who choose not to believe. Their chief concern is to win the argument, scoff at religious faith, and destroy our credibility or, even to destroy us and Christianity entirely. However, elimination of differing opinions is not to be our motivation.

How is our motivation to be different according to Paul? Let’s look at both Peter and Paul here.

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15.

First, we are to speak out because we want to honor Christ as holy. First and foremost, we are to live in such a way that gives glory to God and places him on throne of our hearts and do it in an uncompromising way. We also do this by defending the authoritative nature of the Bible. We “honor Christ as Lord” when we commit to following him, come what may. We do this not because we happen to think he has the best ideas (he does of course) but we do it because he is the only one who deserves that honor and position in the universe. Period!

Second, Jesus wants us to reach as many people as possible and bring them into his kingdom before his return. If you look at the lives of Peter, Paul, and Timothy, they demonstrate singleness of heart and mind for the gospel and the lost, confused, deceived, and hopeless in their own time. Our hearts need to break for those who do not know Jesus in our own time. He is their only hope for repentance and salvation.

When we can keep our priorities in line with the love of Jesus, the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin with the proclamation of his Word as we live it out and speak truthfully and lovingly.

Finally, there is an entire world that needs to come know and see a better way. Many are enslaved by Satan, but all authority has been given to Jesus Christ in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18,

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

The world will not be reached by animosity nor by our silence. Correction is telling the truth in love. Each of us has an opportunity in some way to proclaim Christ within our sphere. I don’t know exactly what that may look like in yours. But I think the key is looking for opportunities. Often, they present themselves when people are hurting, and we respond with compassion. Loving our enemies is what sets us apart Jesus said. And it takes Jesus in our hearts for us to be able to do that. May our eyes and ears be attuned to God and his will. Pray for revival! Pray for the boldness and strength of the church! Pray for opportunities to minister to those in need even if they are not your friends! Sometimes it means taking a risk for the lost in the name of Jesus. And remember, he is one who does the transforming in all of us!