Contemplative Bible Reading

2 Timothy 4:5 (New Living Translation)

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

The first phrase of this verse appeals to the tough-minded thinkers. It doesn’t appeal to the emotional types in the Myers-Briggs type indicator or whatever preference indicator tool you use.

Being one of those tough-minder thinkers, let me explain…us tough-minded thinkers love to explain, but we don’t like to admit it (or use words like “love” and “like”).

Be that as it may, this phrase begins with “But,” which means we might look back at the prior sentence or two. This section of the letter is discussing people who will do all sorts of things and teach all sorts of things. Keep a clear mind. Try to understand what is happening and what is being taught. Does it vary from the Good News which we are encouraged to tell others? That is a simple question, but in the face of a ground swell of false teaching and followers of the like, it isn’t always easy to answer.

Keep a clear mind and pray.