"Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2 -- HCSB)
In my devotions, I just finished reading 1 and 2 Timothy. A few days ago, I read 2 Timothy chapter 4. In the passage, verse two strongly stuck out to me. The part where it says: "... persist in it [the message] whether convenient or not" got me thinking ...
How often do we use the excuse, "Oh, well, you know, it just wasn't convenient for me," when it comes to sharing our faith? "It just wasn't the right timing or place," we may say. But Paul tells us that whether convenient or not, we need to persist in sharing our faith.
Dictionary.com describes "persist" as -- "to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like." Often, we do just the opposite. Instead of continuing steadfastly in sharing our faith, in all times, we make up excuses. And one of the most common one is the "conveniency" excuse.
Now, I don't know about you, but this hits where it hurts. I've used the "conveniency" excuse before. You may have too. But with four words, Paul knocks down our argument like a skilled boxer knocking down a box of Lucky Charms.
So what do we do? Good question. Let's first realize that we have a problem here with this excuse, and plan to overcome it. Let's also spend as much time as possible in the Word (the Bible) and in communication with the Lord (prayer). Finally, let's look for opportunities that we could use this excuse and instead do the opposite and share our faith.