Tickled Ears

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:3-5

This has actually been going on, probably since Paul penned this epistle. Humans are shallow, selfish, and really prefer to be entertained. Many seek ecstatic experience and alternative reality. Learning Bible Doctrine is work. Let's just have some really uplifting music, a nice "feel good" devotional, some fellowship meals, and provide "something for the youth," and we'll call it church. That's well and good, until someone asks us exactly what we believe and why we believe it; what's so special about Christianity; aren't there several ways to God; and until we become concerned about the salvation of a dear friend or family member. Will we know how to reach out? What will we tell them about the finished work of Jesus Christ? What if our friend thinks he has committed the unpardonable sin? How will we answer? What if we are not entirely sure of our own salvation? What is our assurance? Hold the line, Timothy! You know the myths and the universalist cults are Satan's own lie. Teach your flock the truth, because our salvation and our fellowship with the Father depend on our knowledge of His Truth, and our practice of the Christian Way of Life, day by day. You are our shepherd. Lay it on the line. Protect us. Lead us aright.