"Three Words for the Christian" (posted January 1, 2004)

  A worker who does not need to be ashamed.
  A vessel ... prepared for every good work.
  A servant ... gentle to all.
    - 2 Timothy 2:15, 21, 24

The great thing for a Christian worker is to be approved of God. This will require a stubborn refusal to be sidetracked by unprofitable words and conversations; and a diligent and careful study of the Word of God. The results will be well worth it: a worker who uses his divine tools (the Word of Truth) so effectively that he has no need to be ashamed of his work.

The great thing for a Christian vessel is to be clean. In Paul's day people like Hymenaeus and Philetus perverted the truth and led people astray (verses 17-18). In our day people with modern names do likewise. Their false teachings bring such confusion into Christian circles that at times only God knows those who truly belong to Him.

The primary issue for those Christians who want to be usable for the Master is not to decide who is who. Rather, it is to depart from iniquity regardless of what other sincere Christians may choose to do. The goal is not to conform to popular Christianity, but to be vessels "to honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work" (verse 21).

The great thing for a Christian servant is to be gentle. When we take a separated position unto Christ, we may easily slip into a harsh, cold, legalistic attitude that tolerates no one's opinion but our own. Or we may become involved in "foolish and ignorant disputes" (verse 23) which involve us in winning arguments rather than winning souls.

A gentle Christian will rather pursue those godly things which will lead to true fellowship; and that godly humility which will lead to effectiveness in helping others.

Grant W. Steidl