by Tim Hall

There are Christians who have the idea that "faithfulness" means "ugliness". In order to be sound in one's views and true to the word of God, we must be blunt and tell it like it is, we are told. "If a Christian doesn't have enemies, then he must not be sound in the things he is teaching" goes this logic.

There are aspects of this view that are worth consideration. A Christian can become too diplomatic, too sensitive to offending someone or hurting their feelings. What if a physician refused to tell someone that cancer had been discovered in their body -- just because they didn't want to make that person uncomfortable? Honesty and forthrightness in speaking the truth are virtues any Christian should cultivate.

But there are other virtues the Christian should cultivate, too. Consider these ideas prescribed by Paul: "But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will" (2 Timothy 2:23-26, New King James Version).

Some traits of a faithful Christian are clearly described in this passage. Paul indeed urges all disciples to directly confront the sins and false views that others may have. There is no hint of being timid in these verses! But at the same time, the servant of the Lord "must not quarrel but be gentle to all . . . patient . . . in humility correcting those who are in opposition". This is not a description of a hothead. This follower of Christ has learned to keep her cool, even in the face of opposition.

Now let's talk about being "sound" and "faithful". And let's not restrict our discussion to doctrine; let's expand it to the attitude a Christian holds. After all, attitudes were very much on the mind of Paul when he wrote this passage. Can we do less than what inspired Scripture teaches us?

Be prepared: If we are serving the Lord, we will be opposed in our work. Satan is still active in the 21st century. We must be ready and willing to meet such opposition. But let us not be pulled down into the mud with the devil's henchmen. Let us maintain the same noble patience our Lord displayed when He was opposed. He is our example -- in all aspects of our work.