Set Aflame week 4, 2 Timothy 2.14-19

One of Aesop’s fables tells the story of a donkey. As the donkey was wondering about he came upon a lion skin. Apparently some hunters had killed a lion and let it’s skin out to tan and dry in the sun. The donkey had a terrific idea, he decided he was going to put on the lion skin and pretend he was a lion. So he put on the skin and went around to where he lived and all of the animals fled—both animals, and even humans were terrified at the donkey and fled at the very sight of him, not realizing he was a mere donkey in a lion skin. The donkey was filled with delight as he watched everything run away, and he was proud of his newfound power and authority. He was so overjoyed at the events that took place that he let out a loud long bray. At once everyone knew him and came running back, realizing he held no threat to them. The moral of the story is this: Fine clothes may disguise, but silly words will disclose a fool.‌ Words are important. We all know the necessity of choosing your words wisely. If you say the wrong thing at the wrong time, or in the wrong way, it can have serious repercussions! But many times in our efforts to choose just the right words to say we might forget that before we choose the words we say we need to choose the kind of words we are going to say—are we going to say good words or bad words? Happy words or sad words? Helpful words or hurtful words? The type of words we prepare to say can make a huge difference in our relationships! ‌ As we come to our text today in II Timothy 2:14-19, Paul has a discussion about words. There are certain words that we ought to be careful of and stay away from, and there other words that we ought to give ourselves to. And as we open this text this morning Paul helps us to understand which words are worth our time and effort and which words are a total waste of time. So as we prepare to read this text, let me give you one big idea to take home today: ‌‌words matter!