Driving in and out of our neighborhood I couldn’t help but notice two trees in a yard along the way. These trees had somehow defied nature hanging onto beautiful fall leaves, and even some green ones a full season behind schedule. How could this be? These trees had never done this before. The only explanation I have is that during the spring a fierce storm hit these trees and tore off some of the large limbs. The homeowner had gotten out and proceeded to clean up the mess, a process that took several weeks. I had thought the trees were damaged beyond saving but the owner trimmed off all the branches hoping the trees would bounce back next spring. Well to my surprise, and perhaps his, the trees bloomed in late summer. I guess you could say the trees “bloomed out of season” and have continued on that path of being out of sync with the nature. Perhaps over the late winter they’ll catch up and get back on schedule.
The apostle Paul spoke to Timothy about this same thing:
“preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2 WEB
Paul urges Timothy to be prepared and intentional whether or not the timing is “right”. If I too am going to follow Paul’s advice it involves two things; first, I need to be prepared to speak to others by knowing what I need to say in a variety of situations. How do I do that? By studying the Word so I know how to speak as Jesus would if He were here in my place. Second, I need to have a bias for action. I may be willing to speak up when the timing and situation are perfect, like when I’ve been scheduled to speak at a church gathering, having prepared my thoughts and comments to deliver them in a controlled environment. Unfortunately, most situations in life aren’t like that. Life “happens” and Paul is encouraging me to respond in those situations. Too often I pass up opportunities when they arise, like when a neighbor/coworker has something happen in their life, when I see a brother or sister making some poor choices, or when folks need encouragement and praise for doing good and worthy things.
The things that hold me back are the fear of saying the wrong thing, being called out for my own shortcomings (which is an idea the Adversary uses against us constantly, “who are you to say…”), and taking the time required to actually stop and engage with people. The funny thing is I have plenty of time to watch TV, play with my phone, and get on the laptop. So the reality is I have plenty of time to be in the Word and engage with others.
Jesus brings people into my life on purpose, so I can interact with them the way He would. I am the only hands and feet He has. And He hasn’t left me on my own, He gave me a helper in the person of the Holy Spirit to be with me, and in me to lead and guide me. Maybe I need to be more intentional and pay less attention to the seasons.
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