Coffee With The Lord

“PALAVER” – Webster defines it as “a long parlay between persons of different levels of culture or sophistication; idle talk; to talk profusely or idly.” You might refer to it as a lot of “hot air” – a long and extended argument that produces a lot more heat than it does light.

I have a friend (who will remain unnamed) who never saw an animated argument he didn’t like. He seems to gravitate to discussions filled with controversy. He likes it when voices are raised, conflict ensues, accusations are leveled at others, people are called names and things are said that wound and hurt others… I mean the guy really seems to enjoy it! He likes it so much he seeks out opportunities and issues like that, and brings them up in conversations whenever he gets a chance. What really is troubling to me is that those discussions are over religious practices, the work of the church, Biblical interpretation and theology. I wish he’d stop it!! Oh, you know this guy? Not the same guy? Another one just like him? Lord, help us!! More than one?!!!

Interestingly I read a passage from the Bible this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” that addresses this issue (and problem)…

Apostle Paul had urged Timothy to “stay in Ephesus so that you can command certain people” not to engage in those kinds of discussions. Here is what he said about them…

Apostle Paul warned “Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work – which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and turned to meaningless talk… they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.” (from 1 Timothy 1.3-7 NIV)

Don’t know about you, but I’m a little edgy about hanging around someone who always wants a good argument! I feel much more at home in a sincere conversation with someone characterized by “love, a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith.” I want to talk about the Lord, His provisions, Christian living, and the cause of the Gospel in that kind of way, don’t you?! I’m praying for my friend… (and looking for the right opportunity to talk to him lovingly about his problem.)

I’M TIRED OF “PALAVER” – ESPECIALLY “RELIGIOUS PALAVER!”

I just finished reading Apostle Paul’s 2nd letter to the Thessalonians this morning… If you know anything about Paul’s concerns in the letter, you’re aware he was deeply concerned that these believers respond to issues related to the “last days” and the 2nd Coming in a healthy way! …

“Now, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to Him, we ask you not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed…to the effect that the day of the Lord has come!” (2:1-2)

Speculation, false teaching, and a host of opinions regarding “the last days” are rampant today, as they were then! Fear, anxiety, and conjecture beyond the clear teaching of Scripture abound! Watchfulness and a sustained attitude of spiritual alertness is appropriate – anxiety and fearfulness are not!

Interestingly, in light of that, Paul closes this letter with an appropriate prayer and blessing for God’s people… “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way! The Lord be with you! … The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!” (2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 ESV)

And as we approach the time of the end and the return of our Lord with signs that signal “the last days” that’s my prayer for you! “Watchful, alert, Biblically informed, and engaged in evangelism and the Lord’s work… but experiencing ‘peace at all times in every way!”

Here’s a really important “sip” from my Bible reading today during “coffee with the Lord” for those who are followers of Jesus in today’s culture…

“A dispute also arose among them [the apostles], as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings [leaders] of the Gentiles [the nations] exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.  BUT NOT SO WITH YOU! RATHER, LET THE GREATEST AMONG YOU BECOME AS THE YOUNGEST, AND THE LEADER AS ONE WHO SERVES… I AM AMONG YOU AS THE ONE WHO SERVES!”  (From Luke 22:24–27 ESV)