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NASB | 2 Timothy 2:23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Timothy 2:23 But have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant speculations [useless disputes over unedifying, stupid controversies], since you know that they produce strife and give birth to quarrels. |
Subject: What To Shut Your Mind Against |
Bible Note: Hi Doc, I will agree with you on the solution - remove the human ingredient - in each of us! The more we can walk in the Spirit, the less we will engage in behaviors that tear down instead of build up. In the home fellowship I attend, we went through a time of trouble. There was a very dear, kind, mature brother, who began to be the butt of an increasing number of jokes and jibes. Although when he and his wife, equally dear and beloved, left the fellowship, they told us that it was because they were missing the home fellowship they attended before, they didn't actually go back to that one, and I, for one, believe the actual reason they left was that they got tired of being treated that way. They came for edification, not to be torn down. So how much ministry are they receiving now from our little group? Before it got that bad, a couple of us said things to the group, about how that is not what we are called for. This was not popularly received, since everyone was having such a jolly ol' time. After those who were behaving that way drove out a very dear couple through their insensitivity, the message got through a little more clearly. Now we no longer behave that way. We welcome people in true love, knowing that we have a choice, to either build up, or tear down. I don't think God looks with approval on our tearing each other down. You don't give me very many options, Doc. Either remove the human element, or live with the sin. Should we not encourage each other to rise above it? To put it behind us? I think that there is fruit being produced among us, although I sometimes wonder what we would see if we saw through the Lord's eyes. This forum sends away far more people than it retains, and I just don't believe that is happening because we are all such a loving bunch. Do you actually think that the sarcasm of this forum is comparable to the sarcasm used by God?? It sure hasn't struck me that way! Just one man's opinion... But if it were only truth that I saw dividing between us, I wouldn't be saying a word, other than to rejoice that the truth is both known and taught. But I see a lot of other things tearing apart the fellowship. Is any focus a "hyper-focus"? Jesus didn't just ignore things that were wrong. He called people on what they were doing, and especially when it was behaviors that served to take people away from God. I don't just say, well, we're all fallen, what are ya gonna do? I am trying to encourage Redeemed Men to consistently show the love of Christ in their lives, and in their speech. Not your "sickly sweet, pie in the sky" phoney baloney love that people see through in a moment, as soon as they cross you (not "you" personal, but "you" general), but real love, love that genuinely desires the complete well-being of others, and is committed to that. You wrote "In other words, the fact that we even notice this stuff is indicative of something wrong inside us rather than something wrong "out there." Well, thank you for telling me what is wrong with me! That was certainly edifying! Doc, I don't care what people say to me. I do care when someone else reads inappropriate things said, and goes away, having seen yet more evidence that Christianity isn't worth the pew it sits in. I care very much when someone asks a question, and receives an inappropriate response. I don't Want to stop seeing such. I care too much about the flock for that. And should I continue to see behavior inappropriate for the people of God, I will continue to encourage them to rise above it. well, enough said. Love in Christ, Mark |