Upper Loft Meditation - 2 Timothy

“Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” - 2 Timothy 3:17 (MSG)

As a pastor and spiritual leader, Timothy was experiencing immense amounts of pressure from others around him to change his teaching and to lead the church in a different direction.  Paul writes to Timothy to encourage him to remain faithful and on message during this time of trouble.  Many leaders today need this encourgament as they are facing constant pressure from those in their flock, fellow leaders, neighboring communicities to “conform” and change to the culture around them.

It is at this time that Paul points out that one of the primary reasons for Scripture is not a source of information or something just to be read, but as a source of insight.  Paul describes Scripture as being “useful”, because it is about enabling people to believe properly and to behave appropriately.  Not simply in a moral sense, but in terms of knowing how to deal with the problems which are part of the human condition, dealing with unjust accusations and cruelty, and coping with powerlessness and abuse in a Christ-like way.

Whether or not the Scriptures shape us for “all kinds of good deeds” (CEV) is the real test of whether we are reading the Bible properly.  In the midst of changing cultural tides, the Scripture should be a “useful” and personal shaping tool so that we might remain faithful and on message.

Consider how you read the Bible.  Would you be able to say that Scripture is shaping you?  Is it leading to “personal transformation” in your life?