FAITH IN A WORLD OF CYNICISM!

FAITH IN A WORLD OF CYNICISM!

2 Tim 4:2-5

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 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;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

          Heap! Paul warned young Timothy that there would come a day when the general population would keep on seeking those who would tell them what they wanted to hear. Demagogues, leaders who appeal to the emotions and prejudices of the people in order to gain power, are multiplying in our day.

          Cynicism reigns! Cynicism is that tired emotion that can also be described as pessimism, sarcasm, suspicion, skepticism, distrust and doubt. Faith is a hard product to sell in an age of cynicism. Malachi ministered in an age such as this. Faith had become formalism and worship had become weariness (Malachi 1:13).

          The foundations of our modern world are crumbling. Teenagers, even church-going teenagers seem ignorant of the moral moorings that once kept our culture from drifting. They enter an educational system through metal detectors and they reach adulthood in deep debt. God, the tooth fairy and Santa Claus sit dejectedly on the park bench of doubt feeding squirrels.

          So, how can a person of faith navigate a world of doubt? Paul gave Timothy these following points to pursue.

Ø Constancy! “In season and out of season.” Practice your faith even when it is uncomfortable and inconvenient.

Ø Circumspection! Simply be aware that the time is coming when people will be consumed with doubt. They will practice a form of religion but there will be none in their heart.

Ø Courage! “Endure afflictions!” Christianity, these days, is not clothed in silk but in denim. It is not for wimps.

Ø Completion! “Make full proof of your ministry.” Don’t be a slacker. Fill up the hours and minutes because there are not many hours and minutes left.

Dear Lord, the days are desperate. Let me be all I can be and all I should be until you come. AMEN