It's me, Paul. Even though you're my "genuine child in the faith", I have to say it's me Paul, an apostle of Christ by God's command. Grace, mercy, and peace to you son, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Nothing's changed since we last spoke in Macedonia. You need to stay there in Ephesus, and correct the goofy teaching of others there. And even though I say goofy, it's serious business, because these folks distract from the good new of God's redemptive plan through faith in Christ. Remember that the goal of our instruction is love -- "love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith." Not empty, useless discussion.
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That's why I need you there in Ephesus, and I want you to remember that you were called to this purpose in prophetic words. Son, be encouraged. Fight the good fight, holding firmly to your faith in good conscience.
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Paul will continue his letter to his protege, encouraging him to keep to the task he's charged with, and to provide instruction in how to handle the situation he's in. For this day, I can't think of anything more beneficial to meditate on than Paul's description of the goal of instruction in the gospel: love. Love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. I hope you'll spend time doing that. Take it apart and put it back together.
Want to do it with a smile? No trivialization intended, just a reminder that virtue is its own reward.
Dudley Do-Right, Nell Fenwick, Snidely Whiplash, and Horse
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