2 Timothy 4:3-4 (AMP)
For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions.
This scripture should make you think. It should make you think deeply about your Christian life.
My question to you is very simple. Will you let God’s word change you? Do you only subscribe to Scriptures that suit your pet doctrines? Or are you one of those who would say, “Lord I come to you humbly, let your word change me?”
We live in crazy times. People seem to only want to hear things that make them happy. Anything that will not bring comfort to their flesh, they avoid. Their flesh always has to be gratified. One way or another, flesh has to win. No wonder the scriptures says in the last days, men will be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (1 Tim 3:1-7).
Unfortunately, the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ is no different. The ministry of the Gospel, has now become more of a performance, than about changed lives. We preachers seem to have let the mood of the people dictate what and how we preach. We want to keep them coming, so we preach to thrill their flesh. We feed their itchy ears with what they want to hear to make them feel good.
Ministers should not be like politicians canvassing for votes, saying whatever is necessary to stay in power or get into power. The last time a couple of Prophets did that in the book of Jeremiah, Israel and Judah ended up in a very, very, bad place. Gagging for the approval of man will always lead to compromise. I love Paul’s stance, when he said he was not in ministry for the approval of men.
Galatians 1:10 (HCSB)
10 For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.
10 For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.
When we look at the ultimate example of ministry, Jesus Christ our Lord. He told people what God wanted them to hear. The same goes for the early apostles. Our master cared less for the applause of men. He cared more for the applause of the one who sent him.
John 5:41 (NLT)
41 “Your approval means nothing to me,
41 “Your approval means nothing to me,
Fellow believer, while pop psychology and self help gurus might have their merit. We should not cheapen the gospel and see it as simply a means of getting ahead in life. It is the power of God to salvation (Rom1:17). It is Good News! The sin issue is dealt with and no longer a barrier between God and us. We have now become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor 5:21) and are now possessors of eternal life.
It should be about knowing God (John 17:3). It should be about pleasing Him and not ourselves. I implore you, don’t just respond to the good news because of the bread. Don’t get turned off God when His word confronts sin in your life. Instead, be willing to change. Be willing to repent and align your life to His will.
The truth is, a lot of the stuff we hear nowadays might make us feel good, but the question I will ask you is simple. Are the teachings consistent with scripture? Or are you just feeding those itchy ears?
This is me signing out! Catch you later!