II Timothy 2:1-26
2:1 Be strong, have courage and a boldly expressed passion for who you are and what you believe. Paul often speaks of the grace that is in Jesus and therefore it is imperative that you understand: Jesus is a manifestation of the qualities of grace you are meant to stay strong in: patience, hope, compassion, wisdom, truth. There is no one correct religion, there is a philosophy from our Creator which has been interpreted in many different ways, in many different cultures and languages.
Paul does not want you to revere a mere name. Paul does not want you to trust or pray to some anthropomorphic being. Paul wants you to delve into spirituality, into the truly visceral elements of life and to draw your strength from its ever abundant source.
2:2 Spread your faith through the way you express and interact with all life. Family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, strangers... every person around you is a witness to your behavior, your temperament, your passion, your outlook, your action, your words. Take that opportunity, the platform that is your life, and spread it. Both how you handle your struggle and your achievement can be an instructive and even inspiring lesson for others.
2:3 We must endure hardship because when you are a loving and compassionate being, the world is not always going to meet your standards of love and compassion. The very reason we must endure hardship is because we are loving and compassionate beings and for love and compassion to prosper here, we are needed to be hopeful propellants of love and compassion.
2:4 Anyone who is engaged in promoting, ensuring, creating, defending compassion on the earth is too busy, too passionate to become encumbered by frivolous matters. That means letting go of inhibiting emotions like anger, greed and frustration. They are distractions from the bigger picture, the more purposeful meaning of life.
2:5 We cannot take shortcuts. Our passion must drive us in every moment of interaction, thought, action and expression. We cannot be fair and generous only when it is convenient for us... in fact, our fairness and generosity are often most needed when it is really inconvenient (in angry, impatient or selfish moments). Think of this life as a race, you must complete the race following the rules of compassion in order to achieve. Stay on the track of kindness, honest and hard work and do not deviate.
2:6 We plant the seeds of compassion and we nurture their growth. We protect them. It's a system: the energy we put into the earth abounds until it again reaches us, its origin. Each life, each soul has works to do, crops to tend to. It is our responsibility but also our blessed opportunity. Growing is arduous, continuous work but what we create is ours.
We create smiles on others' faces. We create laughter in rooms. We become pillars and shoulders and listening ears... the seeds of compassion come in so man different forms.
2:7 Contemplate this philosophy of compassion. Paul wants us to truly listen and understand in order to decide if this is something our soul is in agreement with. His hope and prayer is that we will be able to see the compassionate order and purpose of all life but ultimately he wants us to understand that the decision is ours.
2:8-9 It's important to Paul that we understand our spirituality as the foundation of all life rather than humankind's idea of "religion." Paul devoted his life to this philosophy and never abandoned it, even when his passion vexed his opposition to the point of imprisoning him. Paul's body might have been imprisoned but this philosophy and the work he did with it were not, could never ever be held back. In fact, Paul's work in faith abounded so much that he garnered the attention of the world.
2:10 Paul's devotion was passionate and authentic and selfless. He did not devote himself to a religion, he devoted himself to a way of life. He devoted himself to doing his part to ensure that all people have at least the opportunity to hear of this philosophy. He knew how much healing and instruction, guidance and joy comes from this way of life and he passionately wanted, worked for that for others.
2:11 Figuratively, if we give our lives to justice and compassion, justice and compassion give us its life: everlasting and invulnerable.
2:12 When we endure hardship, our resilience puts cracks in its foundation. Doing just work is the work of God and therefore we reign with creation when we join its mission.
2:13 Although we are fallible and at times wavering in faith, Creation is infallible and always committed. We have Its promised presence in ourselves; Creation is our Constant: the truth and honesty, love and guidance we can always rely on.
Paul does not want you to revere a mere name. Paul does not want you to trust or pray to some anthropomorphic being. Paul wants you to delve into spirituality, into the truly visceral elements of life and to draw your strength from its ever abundant source.
2:2 Spread your faith through the way you express and interact with all life. Family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, strangers... every person around you is a witness to your behavior, your temperament, your passion, your outlook, your action, your words. Take that opportunity, the platform that is your life, and spread it. Both how you handle your struggle and your achievement can be an instructive and even inspiring lesson for others.
2:3 We must endure hardship because when you are a loving and compassionate being, the world is not always going to meet your standards of love and compassion. The very reason we must endure hardship is because we are loving and compassionate beings and for love and compassion to prosper here, we are needed to be hopeful propellants of love and compassion.
2:4 Anyone who is engaged in promoting, ensuring, creating, defending compassion on the earth is too busy, too passionate to become encumbered by frivolous matters. That means letting go of inhibiting emotions like anger, greed and frustration. They are distractions from the bigger picture, the more purposeful meaning of life.
2:5 We cannot take shortcuts. Our passion must drive us in every moment of interaction, thought, action and expression. We cannot be fair and generous only when it is convenient for us... in fact, our fairness and generosity are often most needed when it is really inconvenient (in angry, impatient or selfish moments). Think of this life as a race, you must complete the race following the rules of compassion in order to achieve. Stay on the track of kindness, honest and hard work and do not deviate.
2:6 We plant the seeds of compassion and we nurture their growth. We protect them. It's a system: the energy we put into the earth abounds until it again reaches us, its origin. Each life, each soul has works to do, crops to tend to. It is our responsibility but also our blessed opportunity. Growing is arduous, continuous work but what we create is ours.
We create smiles on others' faces. We create laughter in rooms. We become pillars and shoulders and listening ears... the seeds of compassion come in so man different forms.
2:7 Contemplate this philosophy of compassion. Paul wants us to truly listen and understand in order to decide if this is something our soul is in agreement with. His hope and prayer is that we will be able to see the compassionate order and purpose of all life but ultimately he wants us to understand that the decision is ours.
2:8-9 It's important to Paul that we understand our spirituality as the foundation of all life rather than humankind's idea of "religion." Paul devoted his life to this philosophy and never abandoned it, even when his passion vexed his opposition to the point of imprisoning him. Paul's body might have been imprisoned but this philosophy and the work he did with it were not, could never ever be held back. In fact, Paul's work in faith abounded so much that he garnered the attention of the world.
2:10 Paul's devotion was passionate and authentic and selfless. He did not devote himself to a religion, he devoted himself to a way of life. He devoted himself to doing his part to ensure that all people have at least the opportunity to hear of this philosophy. He knew how much healing and instruction, guidance and joy comes from this way of life and he passionately wanted, worked for that for others.
2:11 Figuratively, if we give our lives to justice and compassion, justice and compassion give us its life: everlasting and invulnerable.
2:12 When we endure hardship, our resilience puts cracks in its foundation. Doing just work is the work of God and therefore we reign with creation when we join its mission.
2:13 Although we are fallible and at times wavering in faith, Creation is infallible and always committed. We have Its promised presence in ourselves; Creation is our Constant: the truth and honesty, love and guidance we can always rely on.
2:14 Paul begins speaking about fellow-workers with God. In order to work with creation we must not waste our words or actions on distractions. Everything we say must have thought and passion as its origin and intention. Our life is a message and workers with God are constantly aware of the message they present and are utilizing the opportunity to inspire others.
2:15 Be diligent in working to understand this philosophy... in order to accurately interpret the events of your life. Life is going to constantly present you with choices and varying perspectives and you need to have the wisdom to choose correctly. We do not always get it right but when you are able to understand the core of yourself, your soul, it is going to help you to manifest your ideals and beliefs within your life.
2:16 Profane and idle babbling is when what comes out of our minds through our mouths is unproductive. We should work to have complete focus and control of ourselves. Everything we think, say and do should agree and should work together to complete or strive toward the development of joy and cohesion in the earth.
2:17 Negativity, negative actions and negative energy cripple humanity. A bad mood, a bad temperament, a bad outlook, a mean comment, a mean look, an inconsiderate action... all of it influences the people around it in a detrimental way. We are responsible for how we send others out into the world. Did they leave our presence with a sense of hope and kindness? We should ensure that they do because what we do and say is going to impact every other interaction they have throughout their day.
2:18 Paul wants us to be especially cautious of negativity and deceit. He wants us to understand and find comfort in the fact that this philosophy is not going anywhere. Sometimes people mock God, or mock good people, or mock kindness or meekness... never let those people overthrow you or your beliefs.
2:19 The Lord knows who are His... you are never out of his radar. Other people may not know that or even believe that but you do. Use that strength to sustain your zeal for this philosophy of compassion.
2:20 This is a figurative description of all of the life within God's family. There are many different kinds of people, we have different journeys and talents and experiences here, different goals and purposes. Each is beloved by God but likewise each must establish itself either as honorable or dishonorable.
2:21 Honorable works (actions, words and thoughts) here on earth establish and verify as soul through which God can help to bring wisdom and love to the earth.
2:22 Mature yourself by being present and productive in every moment; be passionate about bringing good to more than just yourself. Praying and working for a good earth is good for you and others. Consider the kind of earth you would like to live in, envision it and then every day wake up working to make that a reality. We cannot control everything but we can control our own contributions.
2:23 Oh if only this verse was heard and held in the hearts of humanity: Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes. Why? Because they generate strife. Strife! That wretched thing from we we all wish to flee forever.
Creation and Paul want you to realize and wholeheartedly understand that ignorant disputes are regressive at worst and unproductive at best. Any thought, word or action manifested without compassion and perspective is a disservice. Actions of anger do not ever produce the result we desire. Productive action is action done with patience, perspective and good-intention. Be in control over caustic emotions because in life, you will inevitably have them sometimes... and they destroy rather than build.
2:24 An argumentative nature accomplishes nothing. Listen, be gentle, be patient. These qualities are necessary to inspire goodness, to convey your fundamental beliefs and guidance.
2:25 We have to be humble in recognizing that although we are sometimes in the right... we are also fallible creatures who make mistakes. A hypocritical or superiority complex is going to block communication and render a potential opportunity useless.
2:26 We will not ever be able to inspire someone if we are not inspiring. Nobody wants to listen to, never mind follow or emulate a hypocrite or snob. If you want to use your potential to accomplish your purpose of being impactful here on earth during your life, be humble, be kind.
2:15 Be diligent in working to understand this philosophy... in order to accurately interpret the events of your life. Life is going to constantly present you with choices and varying perspectives and you need to have the wisdom to choose correctly. We do not always get it right but when you are able to understand the core of yourself, your soul, it is going to help you to manifest your ideals and beliefs within your life.
2:16 Profane and idle babbling is when what comes out of our minds through our mouths is unproductive. We should work to have complete focus and control of ourselves. Everything we think, say and do should agree and should work together to complete or strive toward the development of joy and cohesion in the earth.
2:17 Negativity, negative actions and negative energy cripple humanity. A bad mood, a bad temperament, a bad outlook, a mean comment, a mean look, an inconsiderate action... all of it influences the people around it in a detrimental way. We are responsible for how we send others out into the world. Did they leave our presence with a sense of hope and kindness? We should ensure that they do because what we do and say is going to impact every other interaction they have throughout their day.
2:18 Paul wants us to be especially cautious of negativity and deceit. He wants us to understand and find comfort in the fact that this philosophy is not going anywhere. Sometimes people mock God, or mock good people, or mock kindness or meekness... never let those people overthrow you or your beliefs.
2:19 The Lord knows who are His... you are never out of his radar. Other people may not know that or even believe that but you do. Use that strength to sustain your zeal for this philosophy of compassion.
2:20 This is a figurative description of all of the life within God's family. There are many different kinds of people, we have different journeys and talents and experiences here, different goals and purposes. Each is beloved by God but likewise each must establish itself either as honorable or dishonorable.
2:21 Honorable works (actions, words and thoughts) here on earth establish and verify as soul through which God can help to bring wisdom and love to the earth.
2:22 Mature yourself by being present and productive in every moment; be passionate about bringing good to more than just yourself. Praying and working for a good earth is good for you and others. Consider the kind of earth you would like to live in, envision it and then every day wake up working to make that a reality. We cannot control everything but we can control our own contributions.
2:23 Oh if only this verse was heard and held in the hearts of humanity: Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes. Why? Because they generate strife. Strife! That wretched thing from we we all wish to flee forever.
Creation and Paul want you to realize and wholeheartedly understand that ignorant disputes are regressive at worst and unproductive at best. Any thought, word or action manifested without compassion and perspective is a disservice. Actions of anger do not ever produce the result we desire. Productive action is action done with patience, perspective and good-intention. Be in control over caustic emotions because in life, you will inevitably have them sometimes... and they destroy rather than build.
2:24 An argumentative nature accomplishes nothing. Listen, be gentle, be patient. These qualities are necessary to inspire goodness, to convey your fundamental beliefs and guidance.
2:25 We have to be humble in recognizing that although we are sometimes in the right... we are also fallible creatures who make mistakes. A hypocritical or superiority complex is going to block communication and render a potential opportunity useless.
2:26 We will not ever be able to inspire someone if we are not inspiring. Nobody wants to listen to, never mind follow or emulate a hypocrite or snob. If you want to use your potential to accomplish your purpose of being impactful here on earth during your life, be humble, be kind.
