Heralds Digest

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.." (2 Timothy 3:1-2 NKJV) Although times and men are part of God's creation, God is not responsible for the convocation of perilous times. Since times are inanimate, changes in times must be the function of changes in free-moral men. The scriptures say men will be lovers of themselves. Obviously, haters of selves are not here advocated. However, increasing focus on self-welfare, self-position, self-appreciation, self-promotion, etc, leaves little energy for self-control. Unfortunately, self advancement without the control of the Spirit of God makes perilous times.

"Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21 NKJV) Everyone is dressed the way he wishes to be addressed. Just as honour will not likely be reserved for a man with a rag on his robe, it is difficult to proof the savour of a flesh sandwich made with a rotten egg. Although the physiology of human heart is beyond his control, the chemistry of the content of the heart is the responsibility of every man. All the redeemed hearts may boast of divine calls to be heralds of the gospel, only herald that ceases to run an errand for unrighteousness are qualify to be honoured vessel.

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV) Unless when God's words are subject to human interpretation, its foundation is accepted as consistent and unambiguous. Only human standards are subject to complex interpretation, because the principles of their operation are not based on absolute truth. In order to avoid the danger of being unnecessarily worked up or shamed by the affairs of the ministry, Timothy needed to be wary of human or disapproved approval process. Meanwhile, absolute confidence in the leading of the Spirit of God maketh not ashamed.

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:1 NKJV) Admonitions to stay strong make little sense, except when things go wrong. There is always a great challenge for believers, who are eager to ascertain how many things in life must go wrong. Especially when it appears unbelievers have a better share of goodness, it is easy to feel lost in the scope of things. Contrary to the feeling of abandonment, Timothy had to be reminded to appreciate the grace and strength in hardship. Precious son of the heavenly King remains the unreserved identity of any believer, even in unpleasant circumstances.

"That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us." (2 Timothy 1:14 NKJV) Someone rightly posited that God is more interested in our character than our comfort. The pursuit great character becomes the priority of a purpose-driven life, rather than the pursuit of good comfort. Change in condition is the spice of life, which implies that consistent comfort in all situations of life is a luxury. However, godly character is sustainable with the Spirit of God. Godly character is good enough as possession to be traded with comfort and affluence.

"For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." (2 Timothy 1:12 NKJV) Expectation does not only enhance realization, it equally promote the pressure of performance. When the focus in all of human actions is self, the mind is expected to manage well the shame arising from failure to perform. However, the testimony of Apostle Paul was built on belief, rather than experience. There will be a great relief when our confidence is focused on a gracious belief in the Saviour Jesus Christ, and not on self. Christ-centered performance analysis maketh not ashamed.

"..greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy." (2 Timothy 1:4 NKJV) Fellowship is generally measured by the sense of compliance to the call for physical gathering, especially when the purpose of the meeting is acceptable to members. Hearts are mostly united whenever the singular motive of their fellowship is the worship of God. However, the fellowship between Apostle Paul and Timothy underscores the fact that physical gathering must not represent a limitation to true fellowship. Whenever pain and gain are mutually exchanged, even under constraint for physical gathering, true fellowship cannot be short-changed.