Turning Away

“People will not tolerate sound doctrine, but … will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.”—2 Timothy 4:3–4 CSB

Paul prophesied that the time would come when people would not “tolerate sound doctrine.” Instead, they would have “an itch to hear what they want to hear.” As a result, they would refuse to recognize God’s messengers or believe His Word. Instead, they would turn toward “myths,” believing whatever they wanted and whatever made sense to them.

Instead of living according to God’s standards, they would develop their own rules and follow teachers who spread their own ideas. Instead of accepting the Bible as God’s Word, they would follow ideas that reinforced their desires and opinions. They would reject anything they did not want to do, for whatever reason.

The world is filled with people who approach life this way. The pressure to conform and be like these people can be enormous. Christians can be accused of being hopelessly out of date or having foolish beliefs.

This is a time to renew our commitment to serve God, submitting our lives to Him. He calls us to be aware of the dangers of compromise and why we should stay faithful to His Word. We are not to conform to what seems popular but follow the leading of His Spirit. We are to study the Bible and live according to His standards.

Today, search your heart and mind. Be on guard against compromise. Submit your life anew to God. Commit to living according to His Word.

Reflection Question: In what areas do you feel pressure to conform to the world’s standards?