For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3 NLT
In our mom's apartment sat a stuffed dog, a gift from my brother Greg and sister-in-law Lynn. Every time a new person would visit, mom wanted you to press a button, making the dog dance around singing the James Brown song "I Feel Good."
Whoa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would, now
So good, so good, I got you
Whoa! I feel nice, like sugar and spice…
Mom, upon hearing this, it didn't matter how many times it was played would crack up. There was something about the antics of that little stuffed animal she found pleasing.
The Apostle Paul tells Timothy of a future time when the only thing people want to hear is lovely things that would satisfy "their itching ears." They don't want to be told they are wrong, just reassured they are right. It's easier to accept we're okay than to hear words that challenge and convict our souls. They only want to hear \the dancing and singing of stuffed dogs, letting them become their God.
But we know as faithful followers of Christ, we can't present a watered-down gospel. So we offer "sound and wholesome teaching" unabashedly, not to create animosity and strife but in gentleness, kindness, and love to share God's plan of redemption. Whether they recognize it or not, their souls long to hear the spiritual truth, not just the things to satisfy their itching ears, and if we don't tell them, who will?
God of Salvation, we thank you for the pathway to redemption found in Jesus Christ. We freely admit, at times, that your words are harsh, for they stir our souls and convict us of our actions. Through their lens, we recognize our sins and realize our need to change. Please help us, Father, to listen to the Holy Spirit and be obedient to your truth. Grant us the courage to share this truth with others so they might be saved. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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