A Lesson from Paul's Final Chapter

At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. (2 Tim.4:16)

In writing Timothy, Paul related to him his heart. Especially in 2 Timothy where we recognize that Paul is facing certain death by execution, this is most definitely seen. Its always nice to have someone to talk to in a time like that, especially when others were either too embarrassed to be seen with him, or were giving him the final cold shoulder.  He was absolutely by himself. Nobody stepped forward to say, "This is a good guy. He's alright.”  What is more evident in Paul's letter to Timothy, is that you don't hear Paul saying in return,  "Those jerks — after all I've done for them all these years!” Instead, he says, "May it not be counted against them.”  What can we learn from this final chapter in Paul's life?

In order to say this, just as Jesus did when He was on the cross, Paul had determined in advance he was not going to let himself become bitter. Because bitterness always makes things worse. Bitterness and loneliness go together because they become a cycle. You become lonely. Then you start feeling bad about it and have a pity party. Then you become bitter. Your bitterness makes you even lonelier, which makes you more bitter. Soon, you're a hardhearted, depressed person that nobody can get close to. And Nobody wants to be around a bitter person. Nobody wants to be around a cynic. Nobody wants to be around a person who is perpetually angry, rude, obnoxious or bitter.

When you find yourself feeling in these ways, we must learn to play down the incident and offer it to the Lord who will always listen to our hurts. Don't rehearse it over and over in your mind. If you do, it just gets bigger and bigger and out of control. It does no one, especially yourself any good to become resentful, because bitterness will eat you up. Simply do what God says to do, and let God handle the others who have to deal with what they are doing. God always notices when others don't. 

2 Tim 2:19  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." 

Jim