Time For God: May 7

Focus: 2 Timothy 1:13
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
 
Reflect:
I saw the accident. Though not serious, some were badly shaken. Permission granted, I completed some initial First Aid. I spoke to those involved, quietly. Informally, I questioned bystanders. I did as I was trained to do. I pulled out a pad and wrote my notes: location, day and time, and weather conditions. Recording what the subjects were wearing, I transcribed the initial comments of each.

In a brief pause in activities, I gave my contact details to one person who asked. As the Ambulance crew arrived I gave them a brief handover report. Then I left the scene. First Responders did their skilled work—everyone was in capable hands.

Some months later, the letter arrived. I was required to give evidence in court as a witness. My notes would never win a handwriting contest; they told the truth simply and honestly from one person’s perspective—my own. And that was good enough. The court listened. If any juror had asked me I could say with the Apostle that what I shared was the pattern of sound words …you have heard from me.

On two other occasions, I remember receiving requests from lawyers. They asked me to act as a witness for their clients. I called them. I carefully explained that I had made no notes of the long-past event. I could not remember the date, day or time. No, I had no recollection of the weather. Neither could I identify in court any of the principal players involved. The pattern of my words would not be sound; my inadequate testimony was inadmissible. I was not a reliable witness.

The Apostle’s admonition is vital for Timothy’s witness. It deeply challenges me. For my words to be considered sound, they must be mirrored in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. God has not finished writing my story. Inconsistencies in life and lip abound—they are plain to see. Those around me may not be making written notes of what they see and hear—I dearly hope that they are not! Yet, others do have the privilege of assessing whether my words are sound, and spoken in faith and love.
 
Consider:
What inconsistencies is God bringing to your attention today? He does not condemn you; He releases you into His love. The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you (Jn. 14:25-27).

Pray:
Merciful God, realign my heart and hands. Use my life and my lips to witness to the riches of Your love. Thank You that each new dawn marks faith’s fresh start. Holy Spirit, anoint, fill, and enable me to declare the Savior’s mercy and grace. Amen.