For a long time the verse that best describes my passion and ministry is 2 Timothy 2:2. It’s the title of my site, and the thing that I am passionate about above all else. Paul wrote to Timothy:
“And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.”
For some reason, God has built it deep into me that it is imperative to teach people the Scriptures that have been passed down through the ages. And not only to teach what it says, but also what to do with it. Just a few verses later, Paul wrote that those who handle God’s Word, need to do so carefully, cutting it straight (2 Timothy 2:15).
I say it frequently – “I have to teach!” It is this reason that I study when I do (on vacation, for instance) and take up the writing projects I do (like on spiritual gifts).
There are several other verses as well that extend that passion.
“So whoever knows what is good to do and does not do it is guilty of sin.” James 4:17
“How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them?” Romans 10:14
“Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things written about himself in all the scriptures.” Luke 24:27
“They read from the book of God’s law, explaining it and imparting insight. Thus the people gained understanding from what was read.” Nehemiah 8:8
“And we have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in proportion to his faith. If it is service, he must serve; if it is teaching, he must teach; if it is exhortation, he must exhort; if it is contributing, he must do so with sincerity; if it is leadership, he must do so with diligence; if it is showing mercy, he must do so with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6-8
This is the great thing about the way God designed his church. He wired me to teach, so I am to teach. But that also means there are things I should not do. In fact, there are a lot of things I shouldn’t do. You should. Because that’s how God wired you.
Whenever you and I get wrapped up in things that we are not designed to do, three things happen:
- We short-change the Kingdom by not fully doing what “God prepared beforehand so we may do them” (Ephesians 2:10).
- We short-change each other by taking service opportunities away from those that God did design to do them.
- We short-change the Kingdom by doing the work less effectively than what someone else would have.
Frankly, that doesn’t sound like a good way to end well, and I’m not interested in leaving that as my legacy.
“Here lies Dan’l:
So busy doing what others could have done
that he didn’t do what he should have done.”
If nothing else, this vacation time has given me a renewed focus on what I am really supposed to do. Yes, there are some things I have to do just because I’m part of the Family, but they cannot define me or take top energy and priority.
You can expect me to return with more delegation for and expectation from you so that we can all excel together.