Of Fairy Tales, Fads & Family Trees

1 Timothy 1:4

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

My Son, Timothy,

I am amazed at the foolhardiness we can sometimes face in the church, even in the ministry. Don’t believe everything you hear. Furthermore, be careful to discern the motives behind people’s questions. Try the spirits to see whether they be of God. Earnestly pray for the gift of discernment of spirits; This gift will help your ministry time and time again. It is my observation that human nature is prone to sensation, ego, and pride. You must be able to discern whether someone’s motives are sincere and strengthening, or merely meant to cause strife. Answer only those questions that are sincere and promote spiritual growth.

Don’t waste your time chasing fables, fairy tales, or competitive pedigrees. I told someone recently that I can trace my genealogy back to Adam, the first man ever created! I said this with a big smile, of course, because it doesn’t matter. A person’s last name, family tree, or level of standing in society does not grant us superiority over others.

For the sake of your ministry, one of the most important lessons you will learn is to avoid expending emotional energy on silly subjects or foolish conversations that trigger confusion and endless debates. Timothy, spend your time with that which is real, true, and edifies your faith and the faith of others.

May I give you a word of caution, Timothy? Unfortunately, this lesson sometimes applies to conversations with other preachers as well. Preachers can sometimes get their thinking out of wack too. Do not follow them or any teaching that is simply a fad within ministerial circles. I wish I could say that the ministry was exempt from this problem, but it’s not. 

Don’t spend your time with endless issues, debates, and speculations. Stick to that which you know is true. If you follow my teaching on this, Son, you will protect your ministry and save yourself much strife. I have seen shooting stars in the pulpit, but I have also seen too many falling stars. 

You are a shining star, Timothy, and I have great confidence in you! 

Keep Shining,

Pastor 

“fables, questions & babblings”

1 Timothy 4:7

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

1 Timothy 6:3-4

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

1 Timothy 6:20-21

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.