2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 (NRSV)
Read 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, Verse 15and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Verse 16All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, Verse 17so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
Chapter 4In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: Verse 2proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. Verse 3For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, Verse 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. Verse 5As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
Devotion
We live in a culture that constantly bombards us with ads that try to sell us happiness through satisfying our individual wants and desires. You are the one who matters most we are told over and over again. Buy this, get that and your life will be fulfilled. Yet the more we get, the less happy we seem to be. Our pursuit of happiness often ends with us just being more miserable. In part that is what the writer of 2 Timothy seems to be saying in his letter. What if the pursuit of our own distinct happiness is the very thing that makes us unhappy? Might the Gospel be inviting us to focus not on ourselves but on God and the neighbor we are called to serve? What if true happiness is found in the fulfillment of our baptismal calling to "love God and our neighbor?" How might this affect our daily living?
Prayer
Gracious God, help us to hear the truth of your word. May we seek the joy of life by loving and caring for all those whom you call us to love and serve. Amen.