Self Reflection
There are a couple verses I want to dissect a bit today. My hope is that there will be at least a hint of revelation from what I wright in your relationship with God. You might have noticed a trend in my writing style, but if you’re new or really haven’t thought about it, let me briefly explain. I like to point out things that you may not have thought about before and hopefully ignite some self reflection. Let me be clear, even though I occasionally ask very poignant questions, they are not to judge or condemn but rather be a catalyst for your own thoughts. It’s very clear in the Bible, Ephesians 2:10 is one example, that each one of us is on a unique path and each one of us has twists and turns in our life that nobody else has in their life. We are all created in the image of God, and we each have a unique and divine purpose for being here on Earth. I’m sure my questions ruffle a few feathers along the way, but I truly want you to self reflect on your own life and make changes, if necessary, that allow you to be closer to God and closer to achieving your unique purpose, what ever it is.
2 Timothy 3:7 & Ezekiel 33:31-32
The verses I want to reflect on today are 2 Timothy 3:7 and Ezekiel 33:31-32. If you are not familiar with the Bible, 2 Timothy is in the New Testament and Ezekiel is in the Old Testament. I mention that because I’ve heard of a trend that separates the two. I’ll delve into that more in a later article but in this article I want to remind the readers of Hebrews 13:8 where we are told, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”. With that, here are the verses I want to highlight today:
2 Timothy 3:7
“always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”.
Ezekiel 33:31-32
31 So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. 32 Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them.
The Coming Apostasy
There are few things I want to point out. 2 Timothy Chapter 3 explains the coming apostasy. If are not familiar with apostasy, the definition from the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary is: APOS'TASY, noun [Gr. a defection, to depart.]
An abandonment of what one has professed; a total desertion, or departure from one's faith or religion.
Don't be Deceived
Think about that for a moment. And this is where I get poignant. How long have you been sitting in the church pew and being fed Biblical knowledge and wisdom but your life doesn’t reflect what you have been taught? Jesus said in Matthew 24:4, “Take heed that no one deceives you”. I know this is some heavy stuff, but eternity is at stake so it’s important that we discuss it. Take the god of this age, Satan, the great deceiver, and realize he will do anything that will make Christians weak and not effective in their God given purpose. He would be tickled pink if a Christian thought that their salvation was the end all be all of being a Christian. However, being a Christian is way more that sitting in church one day a week year after year and gaining knowledge. It's way more than salvation but many people don't seem to realize that. If you want to know more about that subject, the Book of James in the Bible would be a good place to start. Then Ephesians 6:10-18 is another great example of what being a Christian is and should do. In short, as warriors for Christ we have many responsibilities that go way beyond just having our ticket punched and sitting on the sidelines waiting for Jesus to return.
Listen to the Warnings
This brings me to Ezekiel 33:31-32. Ezekiel was a prophet from the Old Testament and Chapter 33 tells us of God's appointment of Ezekiel as a Watchman. Briefly, a watchman is a sentinel or a guard. In this case, Ezekiel as a watchman was told what his responsibilities were and what God wanted him to do. In verses 31-32 we are warned of how many people love what they hear but never put it into action in their lives. Is this you?
Caution! Life is full of Temptations.
As I’m writing this, I am recalling times in my own life that I knew what was right and true but I buckled to the temptation. The temptation, what ever it is, is a deception from Satan to keep you from accomplishing your God given purpose. How many times in your own life, have similar things happened to you? Think about it? Think of the time when you knew the correct action to take but the temptation looked so desirable that you chose that instead and regretted it either right away or even years later? Time after time, in my own life I had the sting of the consequences of my poor decisions and every time the only person i can blame is me. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, because He'll never steer us wrong.
Keep your Eyes on Jesus
I hope this article gives you a little different perspective of the spiritual battle we are embroiled in everyday of our lives an how important it is to keep our eyes on Jesus, pray continuously, and listen to Holy Spirit who will guide you through this world. Just so there is no mistake I want to give you the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary definition of listen, “To obey; to yield to advice; to follow admonition”. May you wholeheartedly "listen" when it comes to God and His Word.
May you always walk in the truth.
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