Verse of the Day 1/30

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound^[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,   English Standard Version (ESV)

In case you haven't noticed, the political season is in full swing as the first caucus and then the primaries will begin.  Candidates are busy giving speeches and having debates with the other candidates.  If you watch any of the adds or follow the news coverage on TV, you will see examples of just about every candidate "flip-flopping" on one topic after another.  Have they truly changed their minds on theses subjects or is something else involved?  Most likely, the latter.  Their opinions change according to the polls.  What they said two years ago, six months ago or even last week really doesn't matter if they feel that stating their latest "catchy opinion will tickle the fancy", the ears of the precious voters.

As I read today's verses I couldn't help but think of how much of that occurs within the church and among Christians.  Paul addresses the issue in trying to teach young Timothy an important lesson.  He is to stick with the Message as it has come from God in His Word and lived by example in the life and teachings of Jesus with His disciples.  His ways don't change with changing times and attitudes of society.

The stand up politician should express his opinion, take his stand and let the voters decide.  He must realize that you can't please  all  of the people all of  the time.  We as Christians should accept God's Word and call for preaching that holds true to it, even if some of the things we hear, read and study may make us uncomfortable with where we are.  If anything needs to change it is us, not God's Word and not His message for us.

May we be looking for, encouraging and challenging our pastors to "preach the word".  I'll let the Amplified Bible do the amplification:

2 Timothy 4:2Amplified Bible (AMP)

² preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

2 Timothy 4:1-5The Message (MSG)

4 ^1-2 I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple.

^3-5 You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.