2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:5
Are we there yet? (Title courtesy of Marjorie)
Just stop for a moment. Take a look around. How did you get to where you are at this instant in time? Now have a look into yourself, your heart and mind, and reflect on your journey in faith – how did you get to where you are in your relationship with Jesus? I suspect a combination of things, from childhood onwards. Our individual stories will be unique; but there will be a common element – the faith of every single one will have grown as a result of reading and/or listening to Holy Scripture.
The challenging question is this: has that growth stopped? Has your faith reached a terminus? are you waiting in hope for another bus to arrive? or are you enjoying the ever-changing view and new experiences from the front seat of an Intercity express?
When Paul writes encouragement and advice to Timothy, he makes it clear that the only way in which his pupil will be effective in his role in leading people to Christ is if he dedicated himself to continuous learning from scripture. The lesson is true for all of us. If people are content with their current knowledge, they will be open to believing all sorts of myths and legends, drifting far from the truth, just as athletes lose their strength if they don’t train every day.
Are we there yet? If you’re reading this, the answer is obviously no. But one day our learning will indeed be completed, when faith becomes reality and we, alongside all the other saints, cast our golden crowns around the glassy sea.
In the meanwhile, get your Bible out and leave it where you can use it as your travel guide to ride further up and further in. Everyday there are new things to see and learn. Get on the bus!