Living in the Spirit
October 13, 2016

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. –2 Timothy 4: 1-2

I struggle with the title teacher. Jesus was a teacher whose lessons changed my life and the lives of all whose paths he crosses. In describing myself, I prefer to use the word facilitator. Now I enjoy good discourse as much as anyone and like to dig into materials to see what I can find. My gleanings are always enriched by what my fellow seekers see that I do not. No two people experience life the same.

We do tend to group together by common experiences, I as a white woman can empathize with other women, some but not totally. I can never fully understand the realities of being a person of color. I served in the workforce for over 50 years. Gender notwithstanding, I know the realities of holding down a job and supporting myself, but my work experience does not match exactly the work experience of men or those in other professions. I wonder if God appointed Christ Jesus as the ultimate judge because none of us has the perfect knowledge of another like he does.

I am not sure I agree with the advice in our scripture today to be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable. When stranded with a flat tire a long way from anywhere, I would not take too kindly to someone sharing their love of God for several minutes and then leaving me with my flat tire so they can go and be persistent with someone else. I do agree with practicing patience which probably does include picking one’s moments to address some issues.

Perhaps I do not understand the author’s use of the word persistent. Maybe the writer is trying to say love others enough to let them know how much God loves them no matter what. If that is the persistence described, I get the need for it.

Prayer: God grant us the gift of persistent empathy so that we can share your love without bounds. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.