Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Be an example: word, conduct, love, faith

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 4 : 7-16

Key verse:  

 "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales..." 

DEVOTION

Paul's first letter to Timothy consists of advice that is essential for Timothy to serve in Ephesus as a leader of faith. Timothy is a young leader and Paul gives Timothy encouragement and reminds Timothy that his youth and inexperience should not be the limiting factors in setting an example for the believers but he should lead by example and not pay attention to the myths and rumors that were being propagated. 
In this day and age, we are constantly surrounded by disinformation and misinformation coupled with constant and easy access to social media which makes it hard to discern fact from fiction. The same holds true from a religious aspect with people who claim to be speaking the truth often distorting the truth to propagate teachings that seem religious but are far from the heart of the gospel. This is where we are called to lead by example through our words, actions, love and conduct. Where hate speech and condescending tone prevail, we must speak with grace. Where love is absent, we must share the love given to us by our Lord and be forgiving, selfless and caring even if it comes at a cost to us. Where trials and tribulations occur, we must hold strong to the true faith and teachings as taught by our Lord. As christians, we must strive to showcase our true selves both in private and in public. In a world that often misconstrues religious teachings and moral values for its own selfish gain, we must beware of false prophets and false teachings. Look  and reflect our Lord's teachings through our words, actions and conduct. 
 

PRAYER

O Lord, fill Your Holy Spirit in us that we may reflect your teachings in our ways and conduct. We ask You grant Your wisdom to Your servants so that we may be able to discern Your word as we journey through this mortal world. Bless us, O Lord. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

A process for discernment: God is my ultimate source of truth and wisdom, and dwells forever at the center of my being. Therefore, any thought, emotion, or action that takes me further from my center can be neither truthful, nor wise.” – Bill Crawford


Susan Cherian Varghese
Epiphany MTC


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