Because "Stuff" Happens…
The first thirteen verses of the third chapter of 1 Timothy give explicit instructions as to the qualifications a man should have in order to be a leader in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact it could be said that all of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus all project important qualifications for setting the house of God in order. In verse 14 of the third chapter of 1 Timothy we read:
14-15a At the moment of writing I hope to be with you soon, but if there should be any considerable delay then what I have written will show you the sort of character men of God’s household ought to have.
15b-16 It is, remember, the Church of the living God, the pillar and the foundation of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:14-16 (Phillips Translation)
Herein Paul writes toTimothy giving him the possibility that his coming to his anticipated arrival could be delayed. Why would anyone write with the view in mind that they might not do what they plan on doing? Why, because no matter how well we plan things, "stuff" happens. Life has a way of re-directing our carefully planned steps. This entire year, I projected a plan that could accomplish certain goals. As of this writing, six months into the year, I can attest to the fact that my plans have been greatly interrupted; hardly anything that was "my plan" has been accomplished.
Does that mean the year hereto this point has been a wash? Certainly not. In point of fact some grand and glorious things have taken place. What it does mean however, that much of what has happened has not been my plan, rather a journey that took me on a different road. There is a line in the song "Beautiful Boy" written by John Lemmon that says:
Life is What Happens To You While You’re Busy Making Other Plans ... (even though it is often attributed to Lennon it really precedes him, dating back to a 1957 Reader’s Digest article written by Allen Saunders. )
Things we want to do, and things we do, often get caught up in the whirlwind of "life". Our point to this is the same point that Paul was establishing with Timothy – in case I’m delayed, when I can, I’m going to give you everything you need to know, to be able to do, and to even pass on to others – the way of godliness. You won’t be in the dark about God’s expectations. This is what we try to do every day we are able to post a message on LifeLines – give it as direct as we can, because I’ve found out that no matter what, stuff can get in the way of our best laid plans
Maria