Work Through the Whole Bible, Part 13Sample

Paul counsels Timothy with a number of ex­hortations that could directly apply to the workplace. He repeatedly warns Timothy to avoid “wrangling over words” (2 Tim. 2:14), “profane chatter” (2 Tim. 2:16), and “stupid and senseless controversies” (2 Tim. 2:23). This is a good reminder for Christian workers that not all talk at the water cooler is profitable, even if it is not downright evil. Are the con­versations we engage in and the ways we speak helpful to those around us? Do our words serve the causes of reconciliation and redemp­tion?

The most important form of witness to Jesus is the way Chris­tians talk with co-workers when we’re not talking about Jesus. Three words of gossip may destroy three thousand words of praise and piety. Christians who consistently encourage, appreciate, respect, and dem­onstrate care by their words are a powerful witness for Jesus, even if their words are seldom directly about him. Humility and strictly avoiding judging others are the surest ways to avoid unnecessary and senseless controversies. As Paul tells Timothy, “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness” (2 Tim. 2:24–25a). Indeed, much of the por­trait Paul sketches of Timothy in this letter could be held up as something for Christian workers to strive toward. 

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve engaged in gossip, profane chatter, or senseless controversies, especially at work. Turn my heart to embrace humility and grace. I pray that my words would consistently encourage and show kindness, appreciation, respec, and care. Amen.

Paul counsels Timothy with a number of ex­hortations that could directly apply to the workplace. He repeatedly warns Timothy to avoid “wrangling over words” (2 Tim. 2:14), “profane chatter” (2 Tim. 2:16), and “stupid and senseless controversies” (2 Tim. 2:23). This is a good reminder for Christian workers that not all talk at the water cooler is profitable, even if it is not downright evil. Are the con­versations we engage in and the ways we speak helpful to those around us? Do our words serve the causes of reconciliation and redemp­tion?

The most important form of witness to Jesus is the way Chris­tians talk with co-workers when we’re not talking about Jesus. Three words of gossip may destroy three thousand words of praise and piety. Christians who consistently encourage, appreciate, respect, and dem­onstrate care by their words are a powerful witness for Jesus, even if their words are seldom directly about him. Humility and strictly avoiding judging others are the surest ways to avoid unnecessary and senseless controversies. As Paul tells Timothy, “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness” (2 Tim. 2:24–25a). Indeed, much of the por­trait Paul sketches of Timothy in this letter could be held up as something for Christian workers to strive toward. 

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve engaged in gossip, profane chatter, or senseless controversies, especially at work. Turn my heart to embrace humility and grace. I pray that my words would consistently encourage and show kindness, appreciation, respec, and care. Amen.

You've completed Part 13 of the Work Through the Whole Bible reading plan! To read more, view the complete list (Genesis through Revelation) of Work Through the Whole Bible reading plans here.