In a powerful instruction to Timothy, the Apostle Paul issues a stern warning that is acutely relevant today: “Run away from adolescent cravings, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace” (2 Timothy 2:22 CEB).
What are these “adolescent cravings?” They aren’t just youthful mischief; they represent a spiritual immaturity—a desire for novelty, meaningless debates, self-promotion, and the constant urge to be right. Paul immediately connects them to “stupid and ignorant controversies,” which only generate quarrels (v. 23). These cravings waste energy and undermine the mission of the Gospel. They are the spiritual equivalent of endless, unproductive drama.
Instead of getting entangled, Paul commands Timothy to run away. The language he uses is that of a strong imperative. The energy we might spend arguing or defending ourselves against petty squabbles must be redirected toward pursuit. We are called to actively chase righteousness, faith, love, and peace, characteristics that reflect Christ and build up The Table Dallas and our broader community. Our purpose is not to win arguments but to gently correct opponents, hoping that God grants them repentance (v. 25).
The battle against these cravings is serious. Paul notes that those entangled in them are “trapped by the devil” (v. 26). By running away from the childish noise and firmly pursuing Christ-like virtues, we break free from this trap and align ourselves with God’s redemptive purpose. Let’s choose the pursuit over the quarrel.