Truth

2 Timothy 2:14-15 (NIV)

Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

As a pastor, I've gotten to be privy to some pretty amazing intra-family Christian disputes over the years.

I've seen families almost disown each other because one member joins a new denomination. I've seen quarrels over when and how a person should be baptized. I've seen fights over who will or won't take communion with someone else. I've seen congregations refuse to work with other congregations because they are of different Christian denominations.

Family fights like these are just plain ugly.

But really...anytime Christians, of whatever denominational stripe, belittle and argue with one another...it looks just like an ugly, stupid family fight to the rest of the world.

Paul's got some pretty clear opinions about this for Timothy.

The church is made up of human beings, and we all fall short. We're prone to defend our own opinions, and to put down people who disagree with us.

But there just can't be any place for that in the work of the Church for that kind of craziness.

The work is simply too important.

"It only ruins those who listen."

I'm a United Methodist pastor, and I'm proud of our history and heritage. There are some wonderful, distinctly Wesleyan theological emphases that I'm glad to talk about with anyone who is interested and wants to learn more. I'm formed in that tradition --- but at its best, it is a tradition that teaches me that Methodists have no monopoly on truth.

It was Wesley himself to whom quotes like these are attributed:

"In essentials unity, in all else, freedom."

"...think and let think..." and "if your heart is as my heart, take my hand."

Jesus-following isn't about being filled with dissension and argument. In fact, (though many would dispute this), it isn't even about trying to constantly prove that you are right, so that you can "win."

It's about redemptive relationship. Redeemed by our relationship with Jesus, we are given a model of loving relationship with others.

May we always listen before speaking...and learn to correctly handle the "word of truth."

Prayer: Father, forgive us when we have wrangled about words and driven away those who would have learned more about you. May we serve in love, so as not to be ashamed.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.

Tomorrow's Scripture: Luke 17:11-19