I wanted to talk about why it's important for us as believers to avoid "vain babbling" or getting sucked into the "affairs of this life". Guarding Against False Doctrine and Worldly Focus “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus.” —2 Timothy 2:16–17 (KJV) “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” —2 Timothy 2:4 (KJV) Paul is warning of two dangers that often go hand-in-hand: false teaching and worldly entanglement. Both can be subtle and progressive. And both can quietly erode a believer’s clarity, peace, and purpose. False Doctrine: A Spiritual Canker Paul describes bad doctrine as a “canker”—a gangrene that spreads and devours. It begins with “profane and vain babblings,” words that sound spiritual but lack truth. These aren’t just harmless distracti...
1. Acknowledge the Impact Without Shame - Trauma from world events is valid—even if it’s “secondhand.” The soul can grieve over injustice, war, suffering, and division. - Isaiah 53:3 reminds us that Christ was “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” Your sensitivity is not weakness; it reflects His heart. 2. Limit Exposure with Stewardship, Not Avoidance - Curate your media intake like you would your diet: nourishing, not overwhelming. - Consider setting “news sabbath” days or using filters that prioritize redemptive stories and community-based solutions. 3. Ground Yourself in Eternal Perspective - Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” This isn’t escapism—it’s spiritual recalibration. - Create visual reminders like writing out Bible verses on sticky notes and place them on your mirror or fridge that contrast temporal chaos with eternal peace. 4. Use Scripture as a Trauma Lens - Psalm 147:3: “He healeth the broken in heart, and bin...
