If necessary, use words

Reading 2 Timothy 2:14-19, Paul places strong emphasis on the use of words and the effect they have within the church and on the faith of new believers. Empty words that reflect the ways of the world rather than edifying the faith of believers, Paul says, will lead to even more ungodliness. What is worse, pious talk that perverts the truth and decimates the faith of believers is like gangrene that will decay the church from the inside out. Such admonitions are as relevant today as they were in the early church. Verse 15 challenges believers to watch their mouths around other believers as well as out in the world. If one claims to be a follower of Christ, yet has the mouth of a sailor, then that person has just shot down their own claim and witness by behaving in an opposite way. No one’s faith is built up, nor is anyone motivated to root out ungodliness in his/her own life. Handling Scripture in a responsible manner is emphasized to the max. Paul makes examples of the distorted teachings of a couple of men in the church. It is irresponsibility with their words that is causing other believers to confuse other believers and lead them astray. There are churches today that mislead others with inaccurate interpretation of the biblical text, which can lead a person off target and cause a domino effect of other believers’ faith to go off track. As far as words go, St. Francis of Assisi may have put it best: “Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.”