Do any of those words in the title reflect all or part of you?
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” - 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Reflection
When you read the writings of Paul, especially to Timothy, it is clear a mentor telling a mentee a thing or two. In this particular verse, Paul is telling his young pastor Timothy that God’s Spirit is in you, and as a consequence, it isn’t making you timid. How about us?
Timid is an interesting word. It sort of suggests reluctance. Perhaps a bit of self-doubt. If that is the case, what are we timid about?
In this case, Timothy was preaching against what others were preaching. It would ultimately have him martyred. That word for me is a nice way of saying murdered in the name of God. With that as an outcome, why would any of us come out boldly about anything?
I’ve noticed on social media that people boldly make comments about many things. It is not often positive. I’ve also noticed that many prefer to find the faults in things and not say the 99 things that are right about things. They are not timid about the faults but sure are timid about what’s right.
So what about the rest of that verse? Power, love, and self-discipline?
I could continue to pick on those negative folks, but that’s too easy. I think it is better to reflect on you and reflect on me. Certainly, we have areas where the idea of self-discipline would be welcomed. Right? I know I’m a sucker for thinking the person driving too slow is not being considerate. Or that guy in the pickup truck that swerved to cut me off is an idiot. Or perhaps that person that cut the line is simply rude. No self-discipline in my jumping to a conclusion about those people. I know you’ve met them too.
However, as I continue my devotion to the Spirit that Paul writes about, I do find myself with a bit more discipline in those same areas. How? Well, I figure we all have a story. I don’t know it for you. I know it for me. Given that, I know there were times in my life I might not have been at my best, or I was rushing home to an emergency, or I was just being inconsiderate. However, in those times, I needed a little grace, and wouldn’t you know it, I was given some grace in some of those times.
You see, we really can’t judge the world by our standard. Nobody can live up to our standard, and I bet not even us. We all fall down. We all need a hand rather than a pointed finger. A smile instead of a frown. You get it.
We have to remember that we do encounter people who have a story. They might have lost a loved one suddenly. They might have just lost a job. Maybe they can’t get pregnant. Maybe they were abused by a relative. Perhaps they never experienced the kindness of another? Who knows. But what I do know is that we should not leap to the worst in people but perhaps leap to the best in people.
Why? Well, God created us all. He loves us all. Even those people that we might have problems with. Even those that haven’t gotten as deeply connected as us. At least we believe that God does love. But His love is so different than ours. How? Well, let’s just start: He isn’t human, and we are. Our understanding can only be as human. As such, we really can’t understand the fullness of how God can. That’s why when we think we know, let’s just say it’s even better than what we think.
So what’s the point here? Let’s not be timid in our faith. Let us be considerate of others. Agree to disagree. Be disciplined in our thoughts, our reactions, and even what we feel God might be wanting. Test everything against the Word of God via the scriptures and ignite that Spirit inside. Let it guide us, teach us, and help us on our path home.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have this profound way of helping us reach a new understanding with you. You help us have this wonderful and personal relationship to the level you and I can have. You are so much grander than anything I could ever imagine, and yet you are willing to keep it so I can understand what I need to understand. Thank you for the Holy Spirit, and please, God, ignite that Spirit inside me, keeping me not timid, powerful, and loving. Please keep my family, my friends, and myself safe. I pray this in the name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
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