Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

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Read

2 Timothy 2:1-7 (NRSV)

You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier’s aim is to please the enlisting officer. And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules. It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

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Reflect

I don’t know about you, but it helps me to read a passage of scripture in a translation of the Bible I don’t normally use. I often get a fresh look at the words, even the very familiar ones. We use the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible for these eVotions, and I like the examples used in that version.

Yesterday we talked about being wary of false teachings in the church. Today we take that a step further—being careful not to let ourselves become a “carrier” of false teaching. You know what a “carrier” is, right? It’s someone who has an illness and spreads it to people nearby, many times unknowingly. If we listen to false teaching, our own knowledge can become infected and we can pass along that teaching to others.

So, how can we become immune to such a thing happening? The first verse today helps us—be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Then we’re told we are to search out faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. Become vaccinated with God’s Word today!

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Pray

Lord Jesus, we ask you to walk with us today and help us to become such students of your Word that we can discern true teaching from false. We pray for opportunities to pass along the good news about you to those we meet—who will, in turn, teach others. Thank you for calling us to serve you. Amen.

Go with God.