Daily Lesson for February 9, 2017

Today's Daily Lesson comes from 2 Timothy chapter 2 verses 20 though 25:

20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

The faithful servant of the LORD is so desperately needed now. He has purified himself for the purposes of righteousness. She is not given to rash action or knee-jerk reaction. Being constantly appalled or disgusted or righteously indignant is not seen as the same thing as godliness. The servant knows there is much money to be made by keeping us all at arms. Wisdom has been her teacher and he has committed to peace being his way.

The faithful servant of the LORD knows that nothing good can come of unkindness, mean-spiritedness, or cruelty.  The faithful servant knows that he or she could do many mighty and good things, but that without love these things would be nothing -- these good things would in fact be evil.

The faithful servant of the LORD seeks not to win but to win over. The redemption of one's opponent is the greatest victory.  To endure evil is therefore necessary; and to try to win over with sacrificial love a mandate.

The servant of the LORD knows that if in fighting the beast one becomes a beast then Beastliness has won. The servant knows that his master has chosen not a Beast but a Lamb to redeem and judge the world.