14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,
There is something to be said on behalf of the local minister. I am amazed when I hear about the preacher who comes to town and stirs something up and then leaves. Perhaps their foreign accent is the appeal. Surely someone who sounds like that knows what they are talking about! Or maybe it is the flare with which they present their message. But what amazes me is that anyone listens to them, that people get swept up in the fervor. We know nothing about these people. They could be known murderers or thieves, but we don’t know it. We flock to hear them in hopes that they will have something quicker, easier than what we have heard locally. But what really counts are those people whom we have watched over time, living a consistent life, both on the field and off, at home and in the community, in the pulpit and around the dinner table. Timothy had the privilege of a godly family. They were living examples of the Scriptures with flesh on them. He had watched the struggles and seen the victories in their lives. The message they presented would not lead to buyer’s remorse because they had lived it consistently over a lifetime. I greatly respect pastors who have served vibrant congregations for many years. They did not run away when things got tough. They did not seek greener ($$$$) pastures when they had the opportunity. Their congregations and communities have been enriched by their ministry and the ministries spawned from the presence. Their congregants have followed them in service and living a life consistent with the message of the Gospel. I am very wary of new messages, new revelations, new fresh words from God, especially if they come from an unfamiliar, untested spokesperson. There is no new message, no secret to success, not keys to overcoming that will make the Jesus-follower’s life smooth sailing. The Christian life is about struggle, struggle against our own fallen nature in a world that is fallen, and we are trying to climb and rise. If there isn’t any struggle, we are probably falling. Find someone who has walked the Christian walk a long time and get to know them. They can speak a message that will inspire you to climb with them.
The Arnold Journey 