How the Chips May Fall
by Chadwick Brewer
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (II Timothy 4:1–2).
These are Paul's marching orders to Timothy as he fulfills his ministry. These inspired instructions come from the Holy Spirit, whose word, as Paul has just pointed out, equips the man of God for every good work. Yet we deceive ourselves and let others deceive us into believing that abandoning this call is wisdom.
- It’s just not the right time, so I’ll be silent.
- They are just not in the right place right now; I’ll wait till I think they are ready to hear.
- People just don’t listen to rebuke; I’ll just encourage them to do the right thing.
- Hard corrections only achieve the opposite of the goal; I’ll keep my approach soft.
- I (as a preacher) just really need to keep my job, so I’ll just not talk about this truth.
- You have to give the people what they want, so they keep coming back.
Timothy was to fulfill these commands with gentleness, patience, courtesy, and love. But that did not stop him from doing the hard things, saying the unpopular truth, and fighting the good fight of faith. Patience does not eliminate rebuke. Love does not eliminate correction. Gentleness does not eliminate conviction.
A preacher can convince himself that he is being patient when he is actually avoiding a difficult conversation. He can call something tact when he is really afraid of losing approval. He can call something wisdom when he is simply unwilling to bear the consequences of faithfulness. There is a difference between wisely choosing how to communicate the truth and deciding not to communicate it at all.
Declare the whole counsel of God. Speak to please God rather than men. Do not shrink back, lest God have no pleasure in you.
