As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. 1 Timothy 1:3-11
Ephesus had become the main ‘hub’ of Christianity at that time Paul wrote this letter to Timothy. And it really sounds like it could be written to the Church today, because the same issues remain now, especially in America. Except now we have the internet and social media which is the lowest and most dangerous form of media and communication, which is widely used by 98% of people. Not that the mainstream corporate media is any better because their goal is nothing but propaganda for their ‘overlords’. So, the truth of things is becoming extremely rare in the wash of everything made up to stir our negative emotions. Manipulation, AI generated content made to deceive and confuse, propaganda made up to gin up hatred for the ‘other side’, and so many demanding everyone else ‘feel’ as they do …otherwise they feel everyone else are terrible useless human beings.
Where is Truth? Where are real spiritual elders who are calmly following Jesus and are not trying to build an ‘earthly business religious kingdom’? Jesus came to save sinners. Which is basically and summarily … us. Who were we? Paul confesses he was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent of Jesus and anyone who followed Him. We in our sin NEED Jesus. We need elders who disciple and mentor without looking for earthly gain (sell their latest and greatest program / book / formula / or building complex). Many in the Christian leadership are now being exposed for their selfish desires for sexual immorality and means for personal gain. So many deceive themselves and others to gain influence, power, and money who are supposedly ‘Christian spiritual leadership’. So many hearts NOT focused on Christ …alone.
A wise man once said, “Opinions are like buttholes, everyone has one, but that doesn’t mean everything coming out of them is useful.” Paul also used this ‘coarse’ kind of language when he said… “skoo-bah-lon” which is the Greek ‘slang’ word for ‘waste’, ‘dung’, ‘good-for-nothing’ except to be discarded. Paul said this in relation to his own life concerning ANYTHING opposite of Christ in his life. How much did Paul sacrifice to Christ? EVERYTHING that was …his. So, our opinions sit in that same space Paul calls ‘s#it’ if it is not the opinion of Christ and truth on a matter. How much do we seek validation from others of our own ‘opinions’? Do you give your opinion because Jesus tells you to? Or are you ‘spouting off’ for other reasons? It seems that’s what social media wants – our base fleshly emotions spewed out for the world to consume on an hourly basis. The enemies of God want our ‘opinion’ rather than what our focus on Jesus should be about. *sigh*
What is Jesus telling you? What is the Holy Spirit pointing out in your life? What are you focused on? What does your prayer life look like? Are you earnestly and honestly loving and praying for your enemies … like Jesus suggests you do? And yes… that includes Trump. (This is for all those who have a severe mental block concerning the man.)
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44
Can Jesus trust you? To be an ‘elder’ that cares more for what He thinks rather than what you think? I too wrestle with this topic because I do care about those I love and see their deep involvement in ‘worldly’ things. Which forces me to look at my own opinions. I confess …I must constantly release them to Jesus – throughout my day. Usually, the Holy Spirit tells me to pray in those ‘times’ – which is constantly.
I am learning though to … pause… and release it all back into His hands many times during my day. Are you?