Right after Paul gave us the instruction regarding what kind of Gospel workers we should be (“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth”), he added a challenge. “But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness.” [2 Timothy 2:16]
Wow, that is a warning for us today! “Irreverent, empty speech” seems to have become the national pastime. We see it everywhere. Sarcasm abounds. Nastiness is displayed all over social media. Ridicule is alive and well in news reports. Headlines are designed to capture someone’s attention and lead them in a totally different direction than the truth found deep in the article (because we usually do not read “deep” into the article to discover the truth.) People carry signs to shock. Cameras capture moments that embarrass or degrade.
Christians are not immune from “irreverent, empty speech” either. We say things about others who carry different political views, forgetting that Christ died for those “others” the same way He died for us. Instead of praying for godly sorrow and repentance to embrace them, we spout animosity.
All this has served to produce, as Paul reminds us, “an even greater measure of godlessness.”
Beloved, the Christian is to embrace a higher standard of conduct and speech. We are to pray. We are to give hope. We are to honor God by doing so with meekness and fear. Irreverent and empty speech should never describe us.
As Peter reminds us, “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” [1 Peter 3:15]