2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)

The narcissism in our society is off the charts. It is the social imaginary. Everyone lives to pursue their own desires, goals, and pleasures. This is not to say that we can’t be nice every now and then, but generally speaking, the American culture is out to please itself. And we are embedded in this system of thought. But we have the Breath of God.

Our passage today is rich. The Word of God, Scripture, and the Bible is God-breathed. Paul is teaching Timothy, a young preacher, that when He teaches from the Scripture, He is releasing the life-giving breath of God. It is the same breath that filled the physical body of Adam to bring him to life. It is the same breath that spoke the world into existence and holds it together still today. The immense supernatural power behind the Word of God cannot be measured.

But also, I would point out to you today that its goal is to prepare the servant of God for every good work given by God for them to do.

It hasn’t been that long ago that we were required to wear masks for covid-19. And at the beginning, it was recommended to wear N95 masks. I could hardly breathe. I was amazed at the medical staff in hospitals who were doubling up on N95 masks. How could they breathe?

When we read the Word of God solely for our own comfort, to gain wisdom for our pursuits, without first taking the posture of a servant to the Lord, we will not inhale deeply the Word of God. It is the servant mindset that breathes deepest the life-giving power of the Word of God.

As much as we have gained from the Word of God in comfort, wisdom, hope, and love, how much more will we gain if we take the mask off? Wherever you go, let your priority be to do the will of God, to love people, pray and testify with them about the goodness of God. Let your behavior be loving and Godly. This priority will open the lungs of our spirit and we will breathe deep the wonders of God.

Prayer: Lord, remind me each morning that no matter what I am doing, it is for You, to do the work of helping people see God through my words and actions. Amen.