2 Timothy 1:8-14
8 Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, in the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace, and this grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, 12 and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day the deposit I have entrusted to him. 13 Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.
13 Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
It seems like everywhere I look, someone is trying to use Jesus. Some are putting words in his mouth to make him agree with their own agendas. Others are claiming his endorsement of their political party, or their candidate of choice. Still others try to use Jesus’ teachings to prove who’s “saved” and who isn’t. It must be awfully frustrating to be Jesus.
So how do we know who has it right? Who do we listen to? Who can we trust? Sadly, there’s no definitive answer to that question. Anyone who tells you there is, is trying to sell you something other than the Gospel.
St. Paul says: Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. When it’s hard to figure out who to listen to, go back to the source. Read your Bible, immerse yourself in prayer, stay involved in your faith community, and talk with trusted friends or mentors.
I don’t believe that any of us has it all right or all wrong when it comes to faith. I think that God reveals God’s-self to us in many and various ways – that we all “see through a mirror dimly” according to our own formation and experience. Jesus doesn’t expect us to understand everything about him. He wants us to be faithful to him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus: Forgive me when I misrepresent you and help me see look for points of unity instead of disagreements. AMEN