About
mid-way through my college education I moved out of my parents’ home and shared
an apartment with two other guys. We
were young and rebellious and seeking our way in life. One comment that sticks with me is something my
roommate often asked – “Will people say we lived together for two years and
came out with our heads together?”
At the
time we were convinced that all of our conversations and ever-changing
convictions would result in enlightenment.
We would emerge from this uncertain time as people who had a very clear
picture of the meaning of life.
But
ultimately I discovered that we were wandering around in the darkness of
ignorance and selfishness and human gratification. I did not come out of the experience with my “head
together,” but was more confused than ever.
As I
grew older and more experienced I returned to the foundation of my faith. I returned to the things I had been taught in
church. And it was through examination
and prayer and study that I found a strong connection to God which is now
unshakable. I have my “head together”
now because of my strong faith in God.
Today’s
passage is part of one of the letters intended to offer guidance to the young
believer, Timothy. What caution is
offered? What positive assurance is
given?
We do
not need to be young and inexperienced to be pulled away from our faith. The world offers temptations and lures to
young and old. There are a wide variety
of ways to look at the world and life, different views on who God is and
whether or not He even exists. Others
provide suggestions on what is suitable for eating based on religious beliefs.
But
what Timothy is told, and what we should also see, is that there are many who
will abandon the beliefs in Jesus and pursue strange and convoluted ways of
finding God and inner peace. We should
not be one of those who follow ridiculous teachings or superstitious practices.
We need
to see that God has created all things to be good. And if we can remain firm in our connection
to the Lord, through prayer and study we can establish an unshakable faith in
the one true God.
DAILY CHALLENGE: What gives you confidence in the teachings of Jesus?
