I Mind, It Matters -- 2Timothy 1.13-14

As I have confessed before, my mind doesn’t always run along straight tracks. For me that provides occasion for entertainment, for my wife it offers opportunity for frustration, for my friends – well it just exasperates them at times. Nevertheless, it keeps life interesting. Let me give two examples that are effecting today’s devotional time.

As I read the Psalms, it is obvious that David, or the psalmist, feels strongly that, at some point, sin affects his physical well-being. Now, as just one example, for David that could mean his little foray with Bathsheba lead to some STD and he’s suffering the consequences. As likely as that may be, I tend to believe it’s more an internal impact of the soul affecting his external person, rather than just a physical consequence of his immorality. In addition, there are more and varied expressions throughout the Psalms. (Psalms 38, 39, 41, etc.)

Having said that, this past weekend here is what I heard from two sources in two different churches. These are not exact quotes, but very close and accurate in intent. One, that God does not cause illness or physical harm to come upon us – of course “cause” is the operative word there. And two, God provides evil and temptation in my life to drive me closer to him.

Now I found both of those concepts intriguing. One was in the context of a Sunday School class, the other in the context of a conference at a local church.

It is my suspicion that both of these comments went unnoticed and unprocessed by the majority of folks who heard them. Are these people correct in their observations? Is either of them? That’s not my purpose. What is my purpose is to thank God that He has given me ears to hear and eyes to see beyond the nose on my face, and a mind to think clearly in most instances.

Paul said to Timothy,
Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. 2Timothy 1.13-14

Father, help me to know it when I see it and hear it, both bad teaching and good. Not based on my opinion, but based on Your Word. Never taking anything for granted, just because of the source, if it doesn’t appear consistent with Scripture.
Amen.