Going straight to the Cross
 

A Shady Spot

by Randal Matheny

At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was supposedly buried, violence erupted in July between two care-taker groups. All furniture and space, including the roof, have been entrusted to various so-called Christian organizations. The scuffle ocurred when a monk of the Coptic Christian Church of Egypt moved his chair on the roof into the shade -- and invaded an area overseen by the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church. Ethiopian monks responded by throwing rocks, iron bars, and chairs. Seven Ethiopians and four Egyptians were injured.

At one Jerusalem site, the "Christian" groups are so acrimonious, they delivered the building key to a Muslim. They trust a pagan over a not-so-friendly fellow believer in Jesus.

First reaction? How petty! And so it would appear. But those groups have their reasons, however wrong-headed, for clashing over inches of property believed to be sacred.

Would to God that we were so careful to know and do the Savior's will! And to teach it. So many wrong ideas have their tooth-and-toenail defenders, while the truth goes fallen in the street.

So Paul instructs Timothy.

"Be diligent." Make every effort. This is priority stuff. Give it your best shot.

"To present yourself." You do need to be concerned for other people's souls, but you're the only one whose will you control. It's you and Him.

"Approved to God." It doesn't matter what others think. Do it to get His good seal of approval.

"As a workman." Do a good job. Do the right job. He's watching and wanting to give you a pat on the back. So hoe that row!

"Who does not need to be ashamed." You'll be able to look Him in the eye when He comes to examine your work.

"Handling accurately." Deal honestly and straightfowardly with the gospel message. Don't play games with the truth. Get to the point.

"The word of truth." Remember there are real lines drawn in this world. Don't move your chair over it for sake of a shade. Stay within the bounds of the revealed will of God.

Second Timothy 2:15 isn't the only instruction to spare no effort for sake of the truth. Others may think you petty. You may be called names and persecuted.

But rejoice and be exceedingly glad you chose not to move your chair in the shade.

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