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2 Timothy 3:14-15 – Whatever
A man dying in the desert stumbles over a sand dune. He is greeted by a tie salesman. The dehydrated man begs for water but the salesman only has ties. In angry frustration the weakened man stumbles on. Within an hour he reaches an isolated restaurant in the middle of the desert. At first he thinks it is a mirage, but as he draws closer he knows it is real. He is ecstatic! With renewed energy he picks himself up and runs for the door. He is stopped at the entrance by security who denies him entry.
You guessed it – “No Tie, No Service.”
In our little anecdote, the tie did not look relevant. What in our life today is relevant for the future? Do you find that an easy question to answer? Probably the younger we are, the easier it is – but easy is not always right. A bored High School student wonders, “why do I need to take… “whatever?” I’ll never use it!” Know what? Most likely, he’s half right. He never will use it. Think, when’s the last time a policeman pulled you over for not knowing the chemical composition of…“whatever.”
In college, we study…“whatever” so we can become a…“whatever.” At least, that has the semblance of relevance. Then, as life happens, we may do everything but…“whatever.” Know anyone with a college degree they are not using?
Easy access to understanding relevancy is blocked by ignorance of the future. What we thought was an obviously easy answer of relevancy fooled us. Why? Obviously we cannot see the future. Less obvious is that we cannot easily see the personal effect certain present actions have on us personally. Yes, life changes, but more subtlety, we change.
While the younger might not yet have the wisdom to see relevance – and we are all younger than someone – we adults better understand the importance of such high school and college courses – the required or core courses. Surprisingly, the importance of the courses is not the course itself, but the discipline of learning, the stretching of our mind, the conquering of the difficult, the steadfastness through the disinteresting. Relevancy is often found in what happens to us, not in what we are studying. That is what is truly relevant. That is why, academically, we push our children, and rightfully so.
Let’s make some spiritual applications:
First—Do we parents truly understand secular studies can never outweigh the relevance of our spiritual studies? Not so much the study of Biblical facts, but the inner changes and results of such studies—walking with God. We make sure our children do their homework. But are they prepared for Bible Class? We enforce school attendance. But why do we allow them to beg off “going to church?” Mommy’s tired, and Daddy’s busy, and the children suffer.
Especially if you are a parent, take the time to read (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Bible study is relevant—more so than secular studies.
Second—Do we disciples truly understand the importance of obedience to God? By importance, I am not here referring to the consequence of rewards and punishment on Judgment—although that is eternally relevant. Rather, by importance, I am speaking of the consequence that obedience has on me personally—the reasons, relationships, and results of obedience.
Repeatedly, God said the same message – which means people were not paying attention. Listen to voice of God:
- 1 Samuel 15:22 – Samuel said, “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. (NAS95)
- Psalm 51:16-17 – For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. (NAS95)
- Hosea 6:6 – For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (NAS95)
- Isaiah 1:11-20; Micah 6:6-8; Hebrews 10:5-9)
Apparently, some misunderstood – and still misunderstand – the relevancy of obedience, thinking God is interested only in a check list of right actions. That would make for an empty worship by empty worshippers to an empty God. God is interested in us doing the right actions because of what the right actions do to us—they fill us with God. That is what is relevant. And only God knows what are the right actions for us!
Others conclude that specific obedience is not relevant as long as we are sincere. Wrong! The point is not that God does not care about what we do; but rather that God requires right actions and the right heart, the right attitude, the right motivation, and the right sincerity. God does not need our worship—although He deserves it—we need to worship. We need what sacrifices, offerings, and spiritual service does to us. That’s the true relevancy of obedience. Through obedience to God we become like God. Again, only God knows what are the right actions for us! That is why it is so dangerous for us to change God’s rules and regulations for daily living and congregational life.
Do we understand what is eternally relevant? Don’t wander through the desert of this life rejecting “whatever” is necessary for service.
Make “whatever” relevant!
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