Devotion: Joy #ThisMatters

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

This week’s message centered on the theme of “Joy”, with the scripture reading from Paul’s second letter to Timothy, (2 Timothy 3:14-17). As I reflected on this passage, I
was drawn to these words,
“…continue in what you have learned and firmly believed… so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”

Paul’s words to Timothy are written in a very affectionate and caring tenor. Reading the entire letter from start to finish, I’m reminded of times when I have typed a personal email to a close friend, or the times when I have left an endearing note to my wife, letting her know how much I love her. Paul is doing the very same in his writing to Timothy. The illustration in Paul’s words are very powerful and send a firm message that our education must be put into action, with a great deal of weight on “action.”

If we as disciples and lovers of Jesus intend to put our learning into action, what we do when only God is looking really does say something about our interior spiritual health. The weight of this week’s message has reminded me God has called me to take responsibility for my actions.

Everyone has a choice when it comes to using words and carrying out actions. In the moments when we are tested and tempted, will we allow our Christian education to take root and become action when we are left alone with only God watching? When I find myself managing a toddler tantrum with my two-year-old daughter I will often say to her, “Use your big girl words, please.” But, inside I’m also in my secret prayer asking God to give me the patience and grace to let this be a teaching moment for her. Sometimes I am surprised at how well I handle myself. And, sometimes I am asking God for forgiveness and that tantrum becomes a teaching moment for me, on how I can handle the next outburst better.

However we handle ourselves today, we must always stay open to God’s teaching and His desire to continue teaching us tomorrow. What we learn and how we apply what we have learned are critical to being disciples in such a lonely and broken world that we live in today. What we say truly does matter. What we say and do speak volumes about our character as Christians. I am reminded of this quote from Dallas Willard’s book, The Spirit of The Disciplines,
“The world can no longer be left to mere diplomats, politicians, and business leaders. They have done the best they could, no doubt. But this is an age for spiritual heroes- a time for men and women to be heroic in their faith and in spiritual character and power. The greatest danger to the Christian church today is that of pitching its message too low.”

For all of us who belong to God, we have an amazing opportunity to be a beacon of light and love to this world, by letting our character speak through our words and deeds.

Gracious and patient-loving God, we ask for your help to come and partner with us on this sometimes difficult life journey. May we put our education into practice and let our yes be “yes” and our no be “no”. Lord, let our actions be true to character in the public eye as well as the private watchful eye that only you can judge.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Written by Matt Clay

Matt and his wife Joanna and have two young daughters, Emery and Madisen. The Clay’s have been members of the Sheridan community since 2014. Matt enjoys writing devotions for Sheridan and serving in the OneSent Market.