“For 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;” (2nd Tim. 4:3)
Two things about this verse must be noticed, those in the pews have decided the message is not what they want to hear any longer, and the one behind the pulpit has either been replaced, or has bowed to the pressure of, what can best be called, the unseen hierarchy of the assembly.
A pastor understands that continuous repetitiveness in his sermons will cause people to become inattentive, but he also realizes that newness has inherent danger in it, there must be a balancing point, but unfortunately messages of the world seem to be the prevalent topic in many sermons today.
This simple writer of letters to you is not averse to bringing into the conversation certain items of the world that must be addressed at times, the supposed pandemic, rampant stealing, the revival in great force of the sodomites and the love of money easily seen as despair as the world’s economies begin their collapse. But the message should never change, how can the Almighty be glorified in this?
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil. 4:8)
If you do not apply that verse and others like it in your life my friends you will become as many pastors and YouTube creators whose main focus is how wickedly the wicked are behaving, and while it may garner you tens of thousands of views, you will in a sense fulfill our opening verse in this letter, you will scratch their ears with the news of the world.
How are we then to stay within the precepts of Ephesians 5:12 while still remaining watchmen on the wall?
“For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.”
I can offer only this, the message of salvation by grace through faith is always to remain the focal point of our conversation to the lost, while the message to those who have been born-again is to remain upon obedient service in love to Him who first loved us.
I equate those who offer first the news of the ways of this world with Scriptural relevance reserved for the end of the sermon, or their social media content, to news broadcasts that offer in their opening statements horrific, if not disturbing news, and then end their program with the cute little kitten being saved from the high branch in a tree.
Doom and gloom first, finishing with hope and compassion.
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1st Cor. 10:31)
My friends, if you are going to scratch their ears, you cannot fulfill that verse. I admit, it is a difficult subject, for the attention of the listener must be kept, and like it or not, admit it or not, most people prefer excitement over repetition, they want to hear about the trials and tribulations of others, as long as it does not affect them personally, they want to know what the wicked are doing, but most will refuse to interfere in any way with that wickedness.
If you want to know how to keep them happy, invite the world into the congregation, if you desire to help them to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, keep the world out.
Unhappy, discontented people want their ears scratched, those who desire to be holy do not.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
In almost every initial conversation with people the world’s ways and what is happening in it will be the topic, it is unavoidable, how far that subject matter is continued in is up to you. Here, as one who has been born-again, your responsibility is to your King.
If they do not want to listen, if they have an itch, let them find someone else to scratch it.
