2 Timothy 3:13-4:5

“For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.” vss. 3-4

This little prediction from the end of the first century absolutely nails the present state of things in both the church and the culture. Everyone seems to have “itching ears,” not only rejecting sound doctrine, but moral absolutes as well. There are some who even invent facts and distort history, doing whatever it takes to advance a particular agenda. Teachers of falsehood abound, and they often manage to gather a crowd. People will believe anything that supports their own preconceived version of the truth, or as our text puts it, whatever “suits their own desires.” In such an environment it becomes difficult for those who have a commitment to the truth of the gospel and the radical message of Jesus. Their proclamation is discounted with the words, “Well, that’s just your opinion,” and hearers wander off to popular myths that resonate with their prior convictions. Church and society are fragmented and divisions are perpetuated. But what appears to be the triumph of relativism is in itself deceiving and leads only to chaos. Ultimately the truth of the gospel will prevail…it alone has an eternal foundation!

Thought for the Day: What eternal truths are the foundation of my life?