I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:24-25.

I delight to do Your will, O my God! Psalm 40:8.

Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night. Psalm 92:1-2 NKJV.

In our chapter, 2 Timothy 2, imagine being Paul and sharing what you have found to be true and so beautiful and needed. Not to take in and be put away to be forgotten, like a small kernel of wheat set on a windowsill to be admired, and not in fertile ground where it can do all it was meant to do – produce a crop of understanding for life itself. You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. v. 1-14. I don’t know about you, but I feel as though our world right now is buried in so many useless words and all we seem able to do is wrangle about them to our ruin of understanding God’s words that actually lead to life. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

What crop do all the useless words of this world produce? Quarrels, enmity, ignorance of all that is good. How do we know? Look around. Listen. What crop within us do God’s words produce as we allow His truth to grow within us? Righteousness, faith, love, hope, peace, kindness, gentleness, a pure heart, repentance toward God and escape from the snare of the devil with his lies and hate for God and for us. A bad crop cannot produce good fruit. And once we allow God’s love into our hearts and minds, we willingly let our love for this life’s ills die. We must die within to the sins of this world in us. I think that’s the meaning of the Cross born in the sufferings of this fallen world. And then the resurrection and Jesus shows us the way and it isn’t just once our physical life is ended. There is life to be lived with Him now in newness of understanding that Creator God IS, that His kingdom is here now in hearts and minds willing to receive and grow into the truth of His love and wisdom. We have so much to learn and understand and it’s exciting to be with Him as we follow Him and trust Him for everything needed – not just for us individually or collectively in His church now – but for all of His children dearly loved. That mindset makes all the difference because it acknowledges that Creator God IS! Let God speak His love and His joy into your heart sorely longing for what is real and true and good…and deeply needed by all of us. His love is real and lights the way to life in His kingdom now – and always with Him with us!