Truth or Entertainment?

“The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”-2 Timothy 4:3-4 NKJV

What is more important? The truth? Or being “entertained”? According to a recent survey, an amazing twenty-five percent of Americans would rather their news be entertaining than accurate!

To some extent, this may reflect the times, an eagerness to escape unpleasant “news.” But this also indicates how truth doesn’t seem to matter for many people. In fact, many reject the concept of truth, choosing to believe “fables,” what they want to believe. Being accurate matters less than being amused. Some would rather laugh than face sobering facts. Others close their minds to anything that challenges their worldview.

These are dangerous attitudes, opening the door for manipulation and deception. They exalt our own ideas, and lead us to doubt God or deny His Word. These trends have particular implications for God’s people. It is important that we stand strong upon His Word, and not compromise, committed to follow Jesus, who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

Paul prophesied that the time would come when people would not be willing to “endure sound doctrine.” They would have “itching ears,” refusing to recognize God’s messengers or believe that His Word is true. Instead of living according to His time-tested, eternally-true standards, they live according to their own rules, and “fables.” They set themselves up as gods, rejecting anything they do not agree with or understand.

Today, the world is filled with people with “itching ears.” 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 Christians can be accused of being hopelessly out of date or having foolish beliefs.

In your life, make a renewed commitment to God. Stand on His Word. Make it the basis for your decisions and standards. And don’t compromise.

Prayer: Father, I believe that Your Word is True. Help me to stay sensitive to Your Spirit. Keep me from compromise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.