In 2Timothy 4:2-4 Paul is telling Timothy the following, "Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."
As I read this I couldn't help but think of all the news media, politicians, educators, pastors, students, writers, actors, musicians, well you get my drift, people in all walks of life who can't tolerate the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"They" have surrounded themselves with "intellects" who have twisted and desecrated the Word till it appears to them to be nothing but another fictional book to be laughed at and ridiculed. Making those whose life is directed by God's Words look like illiterate simpletons that can barely read or comprehend a more tolerant and sophisticated line of thought.
One would think Paul somehow transported himself to the 21st century and observed the world as we see it today. I'm amazed at the accuracy of his description of people surrounding themselves with "yes men", and listening only to those who's words spew out like the serpent in the Garden of Eden, enabling a twisted thought process to justify a more "tolerant" life style.
As Believers, we are charged to be prepared in season and out of season. To me that means when being a "Christian" is socially acceptable, or when the world seem to do a 180 and everything we as Believers stand on is offensive and repulsive to the socially and intellectual elite.
Can we stand committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ when our freedoms and rights are striped away because someone is offended by the Blood of Jesus?
Is the Word in us to the overflow point that if something should happen to our Bible we can draw from the meals we've ingested and still speak God's Word allowing the infilling of the Holy Spirit to speak through us?
Are we, as Believers, really ready to face a Godless society and not compromise His Word, but exemplify it in our daily walk?
I know I personally need a lot more time on my knees seeking His face, gleaning from the insight of others and learning to hear His voice for myself so I will be prepared in season and out of season to share the Gospel.
It seems like I'm being a real doomsayer today, however I find it encouraging and exciting to know that as long as I seek Him I will find Him. To know He has a plan for me, that He has anointed me and called me and that He will finish the work He started in me. Relying on that, I know when the time comes, His Words will flow out of me like honey or fire which ever is needed at the moment and His Holy Spirit will fill me with power.
Knowing God is no respecter of persons, what He does for me He does for you. As long as we seek His face diligently He will give us everything we need to be prepared for what ever comes our way!
That to me calls for a "happy dance"!
Blessings,
Princess, Daughter of the King of Kings
Mother of Princesses and Princes
Grandmother of Royalty
AMEN!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy,
ReplyDelete"Can we stand committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ when our freedoms and rights are striped away because someone is offended by the Blood of Jesus?"
"Is the Word in us to the overflow point that if something should happen to our Bible we can draw from the meals we've ingested and still speak God's Word allowing the infilling of the Holy Spirit to speak through us?"
"Are we, as Believers, really ready to face a Godless society and not compromise His Word, but exemplify it in our daily walk?"
The questions you raise pierce my soul requiring me to take an honest examination of the Christian I am. Many Christians will hope that they can answer these questions with a strong affirmative Yes!
I don't believe I can stand my ground rooted in a belief of, "I hope I can". On the contrary, I must be grounded in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, trusting that on that day, the Holy Spirit will speak with truth and boldness through me.
Thanks for raising these questions with an inspired post Wendy.
MTJ