The Lord’s Servant
Must Not Be Quarrelsome
But God’s firm foundation stands,
bearing this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let
everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.”
In a large house there are utensils
not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use,
some for ordinary. All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned
will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house,
ready for every good work. Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness,
faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure
heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know
that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but
kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with
gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the
truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive
by him to do his will.
Dr. George Washington Carver was well
known as an African-American scientist who developed scores of products from
the peanut. Dr. Carver spoke many times about the wonders of the natural world
and the loving God who created the earth and all its
people. Dr. Carver wanted people to find Jesus and make Him a part of their
hourly, day-to-day lives. Dr. Carver wanted people to understand that they did
not need to be quarrelsome. They needed to be patient, and then in humility to
correct those who were in opposition. That approach underscores the power of
the gospel and the appeal of having a servant’s heart.
Witnessing
isn’t just a job to be done, it is a life to be lived.
Our Daily
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