What has been your most recent topic of conversation? Was it weather or sports or was it something more personal? Was it about spiritual matters or the latest news?
"Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness." (2 Timothy 2:14-16)
I've spent more than enough time "wrangling about words" - clarifying what I said or what someone else said. More often than not such conversations lead to frustration rather than clarification and edification.
Even more troubling is the call to "avoid worldly and empty chatter". Typical superficial conversations are exactly that, but most disturbing of all is how often that characterizes conversations between believers. We who are destined to one day rule the world with Jesus often carry on conversations that are little different from that of unbelievers. It would seem that those with such a bright and important future would have much more substantial conversations!
It is interesting that sandwiched between these words about conversations is a well-known verse to many: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15). A vital part of accurately handling the word of truth is our conversations about it. To be unashamed of it is to freely discuss what we are learning.
The older I get the more I value personal and group Bible discussions. To freely and openly discuss with one or more persons what I'm learning or grappling with from the Bible is tremendously stimulating. The very act of discussion is an important part of the learning and growing process.
Let's be deliberate in our conversations. Our conversations can be characterized as "worldly and empty chatter" or they can be stimulating and growing conversations centered on our experiences with the Bible. Make it a priority today to have at least one meaningful conversation centered on your experience with God's word.
Seeking significant conversations today,
Steve
"Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness." (2 Timothy 2:14-16)
I've spent more than enough time "wrangling about words" - clarifying what I said or what someone else said. More often than not such conversations lead to frustration rather than clarification and edification.
Even more troubling is the call to "avoid worldly and empty chatter". Typical superficial conversations are exactly that, but most disturbing of all is how often that characterizes conversations between believers. We who are destined to one day rule the world with Jesus often carry on conversations that are little different from that of unbelievers. It would seem that those with such a bright and important future would have much more substantial conversations!
It is interesting that sandwiched between these words about conversations is a well-known verse to many: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15). A vital part of accurately handling the word of truth is our conversations about it. To be unashamed of it is to freely discuss what we are learning.
The older I get the more I value personal and group Bible discussions. To freely and openly discuss with one or more persons what I'm learning or grappling with from the Bible is tremendously stimulating. The very act of discussion is an important part of the learning and growing process.
Let's be deliberate in our conversations. Our conversations can be characterized as "worldly and empty chatter" or they can be stimulating and growing conversations centered on our experiences with the Bible. Make it a priority today to have at least one meaningful conversation centered on your experience with God's word.
Seeking significant conversations today,
Steve
posted by steve @ 8:42 AM
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