Right On

DEVOTION
1 TIMOTHY
RIGHT ON
1 Tim 6:3-5
3 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
NIV
To be conceited and not understanding are pretty harsh words. I suppose those individuals who are the super intelligent overly educated types might well fit into this category if they are not careful. I certainly am not super intelligent or overly educated and I have absolutely nothing at all to be conceited about, yet I am sure there is much about the word of God I do not understand. I am sure men like Rob Bell fit right into this situation as I am sure he has a great deal of interest in creating controversies and quarrels among the church. Of course, I do not know is heart, and so I should not judge him. I do know I am concerned about false teachers, who tear apart the church for their own personal gain. I want nothing more than the truth of God to be in the forefront and the foundation of every believer’s heart and mind. Whenever I have the opportunity, I desire to spread this truth for the sake of the truth, and not for any purpose or gain of my own. It is difficult to divide personal gain from an all out endeavor to share God’s truth. What I teach, preach and write surely are not something which should cause controversies and quarrels. The truth of God should never cause envy, strife, malicious talk evil suspicions and constant friction. How can the truth do anything like that? Preach the Word, Rich! I think all too often men determine what they believe than go about finding scripture to back up their belief, even to the point of misusing certain scriptures. I think it is so very important to take the scripture and listen to the Spirit teach, than develop what my beliefs are based on the truth in the Word. The motive has to be the truth first than the belief, not a belief than find it in the Word. I think men who seek out fame for themselves have not found the truth in the Word. I hope I never get like that. Although I really do not think I will ever have any fame or fortune because of my endeavors to publish books. Sometimes I wonder why God has me doing this. My first effort has not done so well, but then I am so backward in promoting myself. I have been told well if it is God, he will get it out there. God uses people to accomplish his will most of the time and it is still on my shoulders to get it done. I am dragging my feet I think. Is it because I do not want to be perceived as seeking fame and fortune? I certainly do not want to do or to be thought of as doing anything like what is described in these verses. I wonder if I am too aggressive in promoting myself I would be perceived in that way. I am confident my goals are only to do what God has placed upon my heart to do and to do it for the benefit of the Kingdom of God, giving him all the glory, honor and praise for anything which happens in my life. Right On!