Morning Moments

In 1 Timothy 2:8, Paul concludes dealing with the heart. He says guard your temper from resentment. This is an emotional disposition that is not acceptable to God neither should it be approved of believers. We are exhorted to put off this disposition in Colossians 3:8, and to put it away in Ephesians 4:31. James says that we are to be swift to hear and slow to speak and slow to wrath in James 1:19, which doesn't mean you take time and get mad as the devil. We are taught how to think in Philippians 4:8, and we do this by the Spirit and a discipline mind.

Some tend to believe that if we count to ten first, we may then explode. A few are like the cartoon character a few years ago, who would get something dropped on his toe, run out the door and over the hill and yell his lungs out. Guard your heart from resentment.

Paul says we are also to guard our thoughts against vain reasoning. There is a constant danger of the believer reverting to spiritually immature motives which breed selfish ambition and argumentative attitudes (Rom 14:1; Phil 2:14), and bigoted relationships (Ja 2:4). The word clearly shows this kind of thinking to be evil (Mt 15:19; Mk 7:21), suspicious (Lk 2:34; 6:8), and worthless (Rom 1:21; 1 Cor 3:20).

We have all seen those who consider themselves brilliant because they can out argue the Sunday School teacer. Whatever is taught, they want to become the devil's advocate and that is exactly what they are. They confuse rather than clarify and often cause conflict. To these, Paul's word from Thessalonians is, "Study to be quiet."

There is so much more to public worship than just going to church. Our worship services will be better and God's saints more mature if we will just do things God's way. Paul was inspired of the Holy Spirit to pen these words to young Timothy because he had left him to pastor the church in Ephesus. We should learn from his words.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help us to understand that public worship is not merely a time for me to get, but what I can give by adding to it.