Dear Timothy
By Rev. Karin Case
June 20, 2010
Lessons: 1 Timothy 4:6-16
Dear Timothy
by Karin Case
June 20, 2010
The sermon today takes the form of a letter to a modern-day “Timothy,” from a fictional “Aunt Paula.” It is inspired by Paul’s writing found in 1 Timothy 4:6-16.
Dear Timothy,
This is a big moment in your life as you prepare to head out into the world. Dear one, you are like a son to me and there is so much I want to say. Your mother, Lois, told me how disappointed you were, initially, that you didn’t get the Fulbright. You are so gifted, I have no doubt that even more amazing things lie ahead for you. We are so proud of you. Your grandmother, Eunice (a leader in the church back in her day) would be delighted at the faithful, young many you have become.
Most of all, I want you to know that I have confidence in you. Your gifts are extraordinary. But even more than your individual gifts, I have confidence because I know the spirit that is at work in you. And that spirit—the Spirit of the Living God—is capable of all things. Unlimited things, things we cannot even imagine. I have confidence in you and I trust in the Spirit that is at work in you.
Still, the challenges that lie ahead will be demand much of you. It is difficult to be a Christian in the world today. In the early days of the church, when congregations were on fire with the Holy Spirit, believers faced all kinds of persecutions. Because they declared allegiance to God, and God alone, they were afflicted by Rome. Their situation must have felt very precarious. Who knew whether the church would even survive those persecutions?
These days, our churches face an entirely different problem. The question is not whether we will be crushed by the might of an Empire that opposes us, but whether we have become so acculturated, so accommodating to the values of the empire, that we will lose hold of our faith. In fact, Timothy, I worry that this is exactly what is happening in some of our churches. There are congregations where status matters more than the gospel. People are more concerned about money and social class and which schools their kids go to. Here in Cambridge, many people are associated with Harvard and other fine universities and, as a result, we benefit from extraordinary gifts of intellect and leadership. As s a congregation, though, we must keep a sense of proportion and humility. Otherwise, how can we genuinely welcome all sorts of people—even those who do not have these fine pedigrees?
Many members of our congregations are also caught up in the spiritual diseases of our era—materialism and consumerism. Look at the oil that is spewing into the Gulf Coast right now. I don’t care what anyone says, this is absolutely a result of our lust for energy. We have no regard for the poor of the earth, and little regard for the earth itself. People want what they want. We are much in need of a Christian witness in the face of this greed and disregard. It will be up to your generation to teach about the preciousness of the earth, to help your congregations understand how much is enough. And—although people will oppose it—mark my words—they will say that people of faith should not be involved in politics! Although some will oppose it, Christians must organize and speak with one voice against this lust for energy that leads to pillaging our precious planet.
Timothy, people of this generation are driven by a desire for things. Our houses are full of things we do not need. People are obsessed with gadgets. I even know a minister who has an iPhone! I wonder if it is difficult for someone of your generation to see these for what they are? I’m not saying there’s anything inherently wrong with gadgets—I’m not so old fashioned as that. But everything has a place and some people who call themselves Christians have forgotten that consumer products are merely products. They have nothing to do with ultimate values. They do not give purpose or meaning or happiness.
But speaking of technology, did you know that I have a Facebook page now? Let’s friend each other. Facebook would be a great way to keep in touch while you are on your missionary journey!
It seems almost absurd to tell you not to pay attention to the values that are so pervasive in your generation. But honestly, these things are idle distractions at best. Train yourself in godliness—in devotion to what is valuable for all time, not just for this minute. Your peers will probably think you are crazy. And you can’t expect recognition or affirmation from the culture. But you will have something very, very precious. This advice is important not only for your own life. It’s also what you need to teach to others.
Timothy, let me speak frankly. There are members of our own congregations who will challenge your authority, on account of your youth. Do not take this personally and do not be defeated by it. It has to do with their own expectations, which are conditioned by the standards of the world. The world values age, maturity, wealth, status, whiteness. This is foolishness.
People will not want to listen to you because you are young. They’ll find all kinds of reasons to dismiss you. You might think that in our congregations it would be different. But I can tell you I have seen all sorts of disregard for talented, capable leaders. And why? Simply, because of prejudice. Because people—even Christians—are not always able to see with new eyes. As a young woman I experienced this, myself. Once, after I finished preaching a really fantastic sermon—really fantastic, Timothy, one of my best—a member of the congregation came up to me and actually gave credit to the distinguished male senior pastor for my sermon. It must have been that he had inspired my preaching, she said. Wow. So painful it was almost funny.
If you are young, or female, or—in our New England congregations—a person of color, there’s a chance you will be dismissed out of hand. Or at least, you will need to work hard to prove yourself. Be prepared for that, Timothy. And that privilege you do have, use it wisely and on behalf of those who have little.
There are some simple things you can do that will help you weather these storms. You know them already. Set a good example. If your speech and your conduct are impeccable, you will earn respect. It may be slow, but it will come.
While I am giving advice, here’s something important. This may be hard if you feel you are under attack, but let people see your heart. Because, your heart, Timothy, is full of love and faith. Your heart is centered in the right place. You know this deep inside yourself. When your heart is in the right place, your faith shines through and it becomes very compelling to those who have eyes to see. If members of your congregations are open, they will notice this quality in you and it will spark something in them. This is a blessing, Timothy. It is a gift you can give to your congregations, and it is one of the most compelling ways to be a leader.
There are these qualities and behaviors that I urge on you—to be beyond reproach in your conduct, to let your love of God shine through. There are some wise practices that will sustain your work and help you get the word out. Give attention to the public reading of scripture. It is a tremendous trove, not to be treated casually. In this era many people find it puzzling. Our world-view is so different from those people thousands of years ago whose stories are recorded in the scriptures. But help your people wrestle with the scriptures. Encourage questions. People should bring their whole selves to the study of scripture. You can help with this by reading it aloud all the time.
These stories are the stories of people surprisingly like our selves (despite the cleft of time) who were fallible and doubting, faithful and searching. And they scriptures tell us most clearly about the way Jesus lived, the people he loved, and what he taught. As they encounter the scriptures, your people will be changed.
Timothy, you will need encouragement for the work that lies ahead. Remember the baptism you share with all believers—how you were claimed for God and for Christ at the very beginning, by a community that brought you up in love.
And remember the laying on of hands with which you we anointed for this ministry. Just last week right here in Cambridge, we laid hands on a young woman who is beginning in ministry. In the tradition passed down from our ancestors we called on the Holy Spirit to inspire and guide her. Remember that you, too, have gifts for ministry and you, too have received this anointing. Your elders recognized something precious in you from a very early age.
They—we—have believed in you all along. Despite the rocky places in the road; even when you were struggling with school, even when you couldn’t find a job, even when your girlfriend broke up with you. These things may have felt like tidal waves. But despite these storms, we always have confidence in you.
In our eyes—as your elders and your family of faith—you are very precious. This is because we love you, Timothy. It is also because we love God. And we see that God is doing wonderful things through you. Do not neglect the gift that is in you. Do not neglect the gift that is in you. Take care to nurture your special abilities; carry our tradition with clarity and with grace.
You have something of great value, something very precious—an intimate relationship with the living God. No matter who may oppose you or how difficult the road may be, you already know what has ultimate value. And your authority, your true authority resides here. It is not you who speaks, or you who leads, or you who teaches, but the Spirit doing all of these things through you. This, Timothy, is your hope, your wisdom, and your courage. Bless you my child in all the days and years ahead!
With much love,
Aunt Paula
1 Timothy 4:6-16
If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
These are the things you must insist on and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice; devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.