STRIVE TO LIVE BY THESE WORKS
Letson McCoy
Before I start this article, I would like to thank everyone who had a part in making Camp Canaan
successful this year. We had many adults and teens around to help with all the campers. The
children grew closer to God through Bible classes, and they loved the activities, arts and crafts,
and science demonstrations each day! The importance and value we are putting on teaching the
next generation about God is truly a blessing. Be sure to continue to support and pray for all of
our youth!
In 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Paul states, “And the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but
be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in
opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth…”
These are words that all Christians should heed. In a world that seems to be overtaken by
violence and fighting, a Christian should be exemplifying an example that is drastically different.
They must not be causing quarrels by their words or actions. They should be kind and practice
patience as well as love in trying circumstances (Col. 3:12-15; 1 Cor. 13:4-7). If there is
opposition, demonstrating gentleness can lead to amazing results (James 5:19-20).
While the advice of Paul is to be lived out on an individual level, there is also importance placed
on drawing strength from one another in the Christian community. Just two verses earlier, Paul
proclaims these words, “Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and
peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22). All of us can help and
encourage each other by being present in each other’s lives on a consistent basis. As Rob
mentioned in his Sunday night sermon, Christians should always help one another so that we can
stand firm in the Lord. Pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace through the community of
believers will help all of us individually to live out the words of Paul in further verses (2 Tim.
2:24-25).
Strive to live out the qualities of a true bond-servant of Christ found in 2 Timothy 2. Draw
strength from your brothers and sisters in Christ if you need extra assistance in pursuing the ways
of God. In all things, always remember that you are an ambassador for God (2 Cor. 5:20-21).
Live in such a way to glorify Christ by being the bond-servant He has called us to be and
continually pursuing Him!