Telling You What You Want To Hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

“Immediately after smoking, rinse your mouth with water. By doing so, one can minimize the cancer causing agents of the cigar smoke.”

Many years ago, I was reading an article offering suggestions to minimize the risk of oral cancer after smoking a cigar. It was amusing and misleading. The smoke contains known carcinogens and while rinsing one’s mouth after smoking, may mitigate exposure, it does not prevent exposure to the nasal passages, esophagus, and trachea. The article only served to mollify the concerns of cigar smokers so they could continue their favorite pastime. It is telling you what you want to hear.

Some people believe in God only when He tells them what they want to hear. God is love. God is peace. He is. These are wonderful and comforting to know. Who wouldn’t want to follow God? It is exactly what we want to hear. God also disciplines us when our sins lead us to turn away from Him. God may say no to our prayers when we earnestly desire something. Do we still want to follow God when He doesn’t tell us what we want to hear?

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT)

Do you believe God only when it is convenient and aligns with your expectations? If so, you are putting yourself in God’s place. Only God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. He created us and knows us better than we know ourselves. God will always give us what we need, not always what we desire.

Amen!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.