"Idea"

 I’m thinkin’ about it,

With my ideas and plans,

If there ever was one,

That was so stinkin’ grand,

That I would just claim it,

As something from me,

And I could point to it,

As all mine to be.

But I would be lying,

‘Cause not a single one, see,

Sprang into existence,

Unless folks helped me.

I’ve had cowboy mentors,

Who taught me to ride,

And shook out a rope loop,

To catch cattle that hide.

And I learned how to do it,

With thoughts filled with dreams,

Because they taught me,

And cared to, it seems.

I’ll not forget catching,

That first big, old steer,

Others had missed him,

And then he came near.

And I guess I got lucky,

And caught that old boy,

And my mentors were whoopin’,

Was a moment of joy.

One old steer tripper,

Gave me good advice,

Said stand on your off leg,

Rope that dummy real nice.

 The thing he was teaching,

Was to sit straight, not lean,

And practicing that way,

You’ll rope ‘em real keen.

And I’ll say that idea,

Worked better and better,

And I caught ‘em quicker,

Cause of that old prize getter.

And with serving Jesus,

It’s just the same way,

So many help me,

With the things that they say.

Gave me great ideas, 

‘Bout serving the Lord,

Taught me the Good Word,

Yes, the Spirit’s own sword.

And the truth with the Spirit,

Is what will set free,

And the best things I’ve thought of,

Were given to me.

So I’ll give the credit,

Where credit is due,

To those who’ve inspired me,

Encouraged so true.

And I am determined,

To pass truth along,

Share blessings as freely,

‘Cause the stingy are wrong.

And above all, praise Jesus,

Who gives such relief,

And delivers completely,

From the liar and thief.

“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass then on to others…” (2 Timothy 2:2, NLT)

Paul’s teaching pattern is clear. He reminded Timothy that what he had learned from Paul was truthful, reliable and confirmed by others who shared Paul’s vision of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. He encouraged Timothy to pass along to reliable trustworthy people the things he had learned. This would be done with the ongoing idea that they would do the same. And so on it would go…. This is a relational model, and is rooted in the way Jesus spent time with His disciples and taught them. We have all sorts of programs and church activities now, which purport to help people grow spiritually. But if they bear fruit, it will be because this relational reproduction is happening. Two questions: What truth do we need to receive right now? What truth do we need to pass along to others?

Lord, help us both receive and pass along Your truth, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Keith Batchellor, used by permission. Thanks, Keith, and God bless you.