This is part 2 of a multi-issue devotion concerning the topic of the Servant of the Lord. It is intended to encourage all believers. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. II Timothy 2:24-26
The servant of the Lord is instructed first 'not' to do something, which is negative in it's origin simply because it is instructing souls in what to avoid. Following the instructions of what not to do, there is the admonition of the direct contrast of striving which is "but be gentle". Notice the conjunction used to segway from one topic to the other. Being gentle is an action as well as an attribute. However, it is developed from the right attitude. It is quite difficult, if not impossible, to be gentle in action if we are not gentle in thoughts. Our actions are typically a product of our thoughts which is confirmed by Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...". With that said, what is the best way to address out actions and attitude in life? It is to focus on where we must first be gentle, the thought life. Our thoughts are either tender or toxic. One of the most detrimental functions of the human body is the mind left to itself to wander without any boundaries. Toxic thinking has a great effect on the spirit; it will actually cause some of the same illnesses spiritually as toxicity will in the body physically. Toxic shock syndrome can be a potentially fatal illness and is caused by a bacterial toxin. There are different bacterial toxins which may result in toxic shock syndrome, just as there are different types of ill thoughts which produce toxic thinking as well (envy, bitterness, anger etc.). The main culprit for toxic shock syndrome is bacteria most often, Staphylococcus aureus, which is still one of the five most common causes of hospital-acquired infections and is often the cause of post-surgical wound infections. Each year, around 500,000 patients in hospitals of the United States contract a staphylococcal infection. Without getting too deep into the physical, the common symptoms of toxic shock syndrome resulting from infection with the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus typically manifests in otherwise healthy individuals via signs and symptoms including high fever, accompanied by low blood pressure, malaise and confusion, which can rapidly progress to stupor, coma, and multiple organ failure. The characteristic rash, often seen early in the course of the illness, resembles a sunburn, and can involve any region of the body including the lips, mouth, eyes, palms and soles. Now as bad as it sounds in the physical realm, we must understand the same symptoms and often outcome, can and will occur in the spiritual. Attempting to adjust our physical actions (i.e. words, expressions etc.) without addressing the root cause of the symptoms is beyond futile, but in reality will exacerbate the illness allowing it to dig deeper and remain longer, sadly having devastating results. The servant of the Lord, even though living in the physical and often experiencing physical consequences, does not war against toxic thoughts in the physical battlefield. It is written in II Corinthians 10:1-6 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. The battle is fought, either won or lost, in the mind. Resulting in effecting our actions, our words, our attitude toward others. Being gentle to others is a result of becoming victorious in the unseen word within the confines of our own private and personal battlefield. There is a struggle to cast down imaginations and every high thought exalting itself against the knowledge of God. Yes, it is difficult, otherwise it would not be a battle. However, through continual prayer, diligent Bible reading and a determination to focus on God's grace, victory can be present producing a servant of the Lord who is gentle unto to all men. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men
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