Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Progress not Perfection
Devin Abraham
St. Johns MTC,
NY
11 These are the things you
must insist on and teach. 12 Let no one despise your
youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in
faith, in purity. 13 Until I arrive, give
attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching.
Do Something.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, is encouraging him as he is a young servant of God leading the church. Timothy faced many obstacles, as many were looking down on him as he was young. But Paul exhorts Timothy to set an example. We, as the the Mar Thoma Church are in a new phase, where more younger generation of families are called to take up the call to lead the church. As the younger generation, we have to keep up faith and hope, as Timothy did. From paying keen attention during our general body meetings , to taking part in our church outreach / mission, every church event we attend will be a small echo to the great sound we hope to personify. Constantly we hear the voices telling us that we’re too young to do this, or too young to lead that, but take a step back to understand that God has placed us within our own churches for a reason; to set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. The transformation starts from within, and extends beyond us.
As we take a step back, to understand the point of view of this verse, we must understand that Paul was relaying a message of both respect and integrity towards Timothy. At the time, he was in his thirties, which in our modern day maybe middle aged for a young leader. However from a cultural standpoint he was still young. Paul made it very clear that it was not his age that mattered, but the calling of God. Using this reference as a parallel, we must understand that with age comes wisdom, however what trumps age is the calling of God to serve.
Titus 2:7-8 reads “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” As emerging leaders of the Mar Thoma Church, it is time for us to stand up as the younger generation by acts of leadership, guidance, and the capability to move forward through this transitional phase. Being involved in the local parishes, and taking up the responsibility of our church is a need. We see a significant percentage increase of second generation members being represented throughout our church administration (committee, assembly, council) along with 9 American Achens serving in different parts of the diocese. This itself is prime example how our generation is taking a step forward in gaining more leadership throughout our church. Being involved in the church is one thing, but we need to be Christ-like in our life, be a role model, and share the good news with our faith community, and to the world. This is our Christian mission.
Do Something.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, is encouraging him as he is a young servant of God leading the church. Timothy faced many obstacles, as many were looking down on him as he was young. But Paul exhorts Timothy to set an example. We, as the the Mar Thoma Church are in a new phase, where more younger generation of families are called to take up the call to lead the church. As the younger generation, we have to keep up faith and hope, as Timothy did. From paying keen attention during our general body meetings , to taking part in our church outreach / mission, every church event we attend will be a small echo to the great sound we hope to personify. Constantly we hear the voices telling us that we’re too young to do this, or too young to lead that, but take a step back to understand that God has placed us within our own churches for a reason; to set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. The transformation starts from within, and extends beyond us.
As we take a step back, to understand the point of view of this verse, we must understand that Paul was relaying a message of both respect and integrity towards Timothy. At the time, he was in his thirties, which in our modern day maybe middle aged for a young leader. However from a cultural standpoint he was still young. Paul made it very clear that it was not his age that mattered, but the calling of God. Using this reference as a parallel, we must understand that with age comes wisdom, however what trumps age is the calling of God to serve.
Titus 2:7-8 reads “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” As emerging leaders of the Mar Thoma Church, it is time for us to stand up as the younger generation by acts of leadership, guidance, and the capability to move forward through this transitional phase. Being involved in the local parishes, and taking up the responsibility of our church is a need. We see a significant percentage increase of second generation members being represented throughout our church administration (committee, assembly, council) along with 9 American Achens serving in different parts of the diocese. This itself is prime example how our generation is taking a step forward in gaining more leadership throughout our church. Being involved in the church is one thing, but we need to be Christ-like in our life, be a role model, and share the good news with our faith community, and to the world. This is our Christian mission.
PRAYER
O Lord God, grant us
Your Spirit, that we may comprehend Your peace. As we pray, help us to
recognize what must come from You alone, for You are mighty and holy and Your
will is peace on earth. Amen.
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
What is our contribution to our church, the one we grew up in? How can we be authentic Christians in our faith community today?
What is our contribution to our church, the one we grew up in? How can we be authentic Christians in our faith community today?