Our scripture this morning is 2 Timothy 2:23-26.
“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
Paul writes from prison with guidance to his younger friend Timothy who is carrying on his ministry. His instruction to not quarrel, instead being kind and patient, is good advice for all of us. However, now as then, it is often difficult to not become involved in the arguments of the world.
Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa said that we are challenged by “the world, the flesh and the devil; the enemy around us, the enemy within us and the enemy above us.” It is certainly easy to become wrapped up in the social and political issues of the time. It doesn’t mean that these are not important, but we must remember to speak and act as Christians through it all. Most importantly, we can’t let worldly things distract us from the mission Christ has given us.
I have said before that Satan only needs to distract us to be successful. Once we begin allowing earthly disagreements to separate us, we miss our opportunity to do the work to which we are called. This doesn’t mean we will never disagree, but we must ensure that temporary challenges in this life don’t keep us from the eternal life we have been promised.
Heavenly Father, as humans we are prone to see things differently and disagree about them. Help us to continue on the path Jesus showed and realize that our salvation must be our only objective. Amen.