Wrangling with words

2 Timothy 2:14-26 (NRSV) About the Christian life Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place. They are upsetting the faith of some. 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.  As the first paragraph of this text reminds us, the letters to Timothy were specific and personal:  Paul giving advice to Timothy. However, there's some good advice here for everyone, isn't there?  How many don't know that wrangling over words does no good?  How many arguments have started as a disagreement over one or two words that were said? Growing up in Texas as I did, when I hear the word "wrangling," I think of the herding of cattle or horses.  I imagine cowboys trying to force the animals all in one direction.  That gives a good insight into what happens when we try to wrangle with words - we are trying to force conversation into one direction - OUR direction - rather than Gods.  Chaos ensues. The reality is that as much as Paul might wish that Timothy's folks weren't quarrelsome, or even that all of the followers of Christ weren't or aren't quarrelsome, we are.  Correcting opponents with gentleness I admit isn't generally my way.   But on those times when I have - when mercy and compassion comes before trying to shame someone into thinking they are wrong, great things can happen.  God gets to work and new things develop and grow. Gracious God:  forgive us when we think that our way is the only way; that our knowledge is the only knowledge that matters; that our words are the only ones that count.  Silence our quarrelsome tongues so that in that silence we can hear your will and see your grace.  Amen