20060118
    Paul’s words today are an encouragement for all of us to persevere in what we know and especially to watch that we do not let ourselves drift away from the things we believe. Timothy’s position as a pastor in Ephesus was especially difficult because he was younger that the accepted age of maturity of the day. Because of this fact, Timothy had to be that much more careful to not do anything by which others could assign criticism.
    We do not have to be young to need to adhere to such safeguards. In out modern, secular society, we expose ourselves to criticism everyday when the non-Christians around us realize that we often behave no different from them. How can we witness to the truth when there does not seem to be any purpose for it?
    But, God has promised to strengthen us in this task by the power of the Holy Spirit, who comes to us through the Word and the Sacraments. As we diligently apply ourselves to these means of grace, we are strengthened by them and are able to carry out our mission as Christians in the world.
DLH
