In Whom Do You Trust?

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Yesterday goes down as one of the better days in my life. Was it an easy day for me? Not necessarily. Was it a day without stress? No, not at all. Did I happen across the answers to all of life's problems? No. Despite some of the things I hope for on a daily basis not happening, yesterday was a good day.

Yesterday was a good day because I got to share in my faith several times.

I'm one of those Christians who thoroughly enjoy sharing the stories of how, through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, God's love has brought me through the tough times in my life and into a better place. However, I don't usually have an opportunity to share these stories as often as I would like to.

As some of you know, I work at a local public high school. Public high schools have an unwritten and well-understood rule which says religion may be taught, but proselytization is not allowed. The unwritten rule also goes so far as to only allow the teaching/speaking of one's faith in an unbiased, completely subjective way. So, anytime I get to talk about my personal faith journey and beliefs with students or staff, I am a happy person.

These situations, however far between and few they may be, raise in me a thought of just how many people, especially young people, in our schools are searching for more of a spiritual guidance to their problems than a psychological answer. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a psychological approach to helping teens and others deal with their issues, I'm just saying sometimes people are honestly looking for more - an explanation which invites them into the mystery of God.

In my 4 years at the high school I've made friends of both teens and adults. I've had opportunities to listen as they tell me about recent passings of loved ones, confessions of sexual orientation, ex-boyfriends who are bullying them on Facebook, and so much more. A lot of times they don't want a reason as to why it's all happening, they just want to know it's not their fault, and for someone to honestly, actively listen to them. Sometimes they just want someone to be there.

Paul saw in Timothy this type of a person. Timothy was someone who would put all his trust in a loving God, and by doing so be the one others can put their trust in. Timothy was someone who did his best to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as passed down to him by Paul. Timothy was someone who, just by being a presence and a leader, was able to allow others to experience God's unconditional acceptance. Timothy was what Paul called sincerely faithful, with a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.

I hope more days like yesterday make themselves available to me. I thoroughly find enjoyment in sharing my God with people. Don't you?