God sent his prophets, but there were times the people had in mind the kind of preacher/teacher to whom they wanted to listen. Time may have passed, but the tendency has not changed. That is why Paul urged Timothy. . .
“(1) I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: (2) preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (3) For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, (4) and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:1-4 ESV)
We need to be willing to listen to and accept the truth. It is what we need to hear no matter how uncomfortable it might make us. Rather than listening to “wind and lies” as we noted yesterday (Micah 2:11) and finding ourselves tossed about in the instability of every wave, “wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14), and human ideology, we need to hear the truth!
I have a great appreciation for youth leaders who know how to have fun with the teens entrusted to their care while at the same time are dead serious about getting teens to focus on the truth of God and the need to live it in their life. Hopefully you are connected with youth leaders, preachers, teachers, and even parents in your life who are prepared and willing to share the truth in a forthright and yet encouraging manner.
Paul urged. . .
“(15) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15 ESV)
Sharing the truth is the loving thing to do. I pray we are each having the opportunity to hear it spoken in love and share a desire to speak it in that manner as well. Certainly, we have a responsibility to make sure it is the message of God. (note Acts 17:11) As we recognize the truth we must be willing to surrender to it. We need the truth. Sometimes we may not fully realize how much we need it until we hear it. Our eternal destiny depends upon it. Even when it hurts, we can rejoice, being thankful it was proclaimed.
As the open hand and open mouth receive things necessary for physical life, the open heart receives what is needed for spiritual growth. Failure on the part of Israel to accept the truth meant captivity. For us to accept the truth means being set free. (John 8:31-32) May the openness to the needed truth of God’s message be retained!
Have a great day OPEN TO TRUTH MEETING OUR GREATEST NEED!
Carl
