As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. (1 Timothy 1:3-7 ESV)
Timothy had had the thrill of traveling with Paul on his missionary adventures. He had seen God do great things. But sometimes he was "left behind", he had to stay at a church for an extended period to keep it sound and established, while Paul went on to new opportunities. And it wasn't always easy. When things got rough, people got unruly, and Timothy had to hold things together. Sometimes is just seems far easier to flee. But sometimes that's what God calls us to do. We'd rather run, but God wants us to stay out of love for those around us and stand for truth, maintaining the unity of the bond of peace. So let us learn to listen, when to go and when to stay, knowing wherever we are true to Him is the place to be.
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