Say What?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so the (woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

"Mommy, you would be so proud of us. We told that man how much we love Daddy and that he's the best Daddy in the whole world.", Hannah and Hayleigh bubbled as they got into the car. We were embroiled in a bitter lawsuit with my ex-husband over the terms of our divorce nearly three years after it had originally been finalized. I knew the my sweet daughters were saying those things about my current husband, Scott, whom they called Daddy. I also knew the psychologist would misinterpret their statements in favor of my ex-husband. The psychologist's mistake was perfectly understandable as I might have drawn a similar conclusion had I not known my girls better.

This morning's reading is 2 Timothy 3. This chapter opens with this description of a group of individuals:

• Lovers of Themselves
• Lovers of Money
• Disobedient to Their Parents
• Proud
• Abusive
• Boastful
• Ungrateful
• Unholy
• Without Love
• Unforgiving
• Slanderous
• Without Self-Control
• Brutal
• Not Lovers of the Good
• Treacherous
• Rash
• Conceited
• Lovers of Pleasure Rather Than Lovers of God

What group of individuals floods your mind when you read that list? The first time I read it, I assumed God was referring to non-Christians. However, if you read on it says these individuals have a form of godliness but deny its power. (Verse 7) In other words, these individuals are either Christians or people who have been exposed to God's truth enough to have some form of godliness. When I read this list in that light, my heart breaks.

So how can I keep from falling into that company myself? Paul finishes this chapter by emphasizing the power of scripture to not only save but to rebuke, correct, teach and train believers. It is through the learning and application of God's truth that I can have more than a form of godliness and experience all the power God intends for me.

Jesus, thank you for Your word. When I stray off Your path, it gently guides me back to You. Today I will measure my life in light of Your truth and allow Your word to teach, train, correct and even rebuke me when necessary. Your word is truth. Your word is power.