II Timothy 4 This is the final chapter of Paul's final letter - addressed to Timothy - but delivered to us.  The charge that Paul gave to Timothy is relevant to us today, ".. preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.. " 

It is more important than ever that we speak and preach.. and write.. the Truth.  The time has come, just as Paul predicted when men "will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.. " ( v3-4) 

I've been thinking about this - in light of our current national situation.  We.. every one of us.. listen to those who say what we want to hear.  We see everything on the news through our own lenses, our own biases, our own preferences. The one side interprets the other's side through their own prejudices and vice versa. No wonder there is such conflict and discord!  Neither side comes to the full knowledge of the Truth.. having turned their ears away. Lord, help us!

But, Paul has made it clear to Timothy and to us that we have a role to play here - "But you, remain steady in every situation, endure suffering, do the work that a proclaimer of the Good News should, and do everything your service to God requires." (v5 CJB)

If we fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith.. we can also testify as Paul did, "in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day; and not only me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." ( v8) Jesus, we do long for Your appearing!

As Paul said in chapter 2:19 - "the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, 'The Lord knows those who are His' - God is Sovereign and He knows the heart of every man and woman.  He knows those who believe and those who do not - those who belong to Him through faith in Jesus Christ and those who have rejected Him.  And, 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness.'  We all are personally responsible to turn away from sin, from lies, from myths, from anything that keeps us from the full knowledge of the Truth.  

Holy Spirit lead us in the Truth. Reveal the lies and deceptions that we have been bombarded with by the world. Give to us spiritual discernment.   Father,  deliver us from "every evil deed" and bring us safely to Your heavenly kingdom!  To You "be glory forever and ever. Amen"

"Grace be with you."