Time for Truth

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 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. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 New Living Translation (NLT) Many years have passed since Paul wrote this letter to Timothy. This "time" he refers to began when Jesus died on the Cross. It is an evolving time period ultimately climaxing when Jesus returns. Although we don't know when it will be, we can see it in progress. Jesus spoke of how we forecast the weather as an example of how we would be able to discern these times (Luke 12:56). He also told us what to do while we wait. Literally. Sometimes, it is hard to accept the truth, so we reject it. We want to hear only what we like to hear and accept that which sounds good to us, even as something inside our hearts whispers that it is a lie. Those who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior are charged with the task of sharing the Gospel in love, especially with those who do not believe and follow Jesus. We do not need to be afraid to tell and show others what we believe because we have the help of the Holy Spirit to carry out this Great Commission. When we look at the sky and see that it looks like rain, we grab an umbrella. In the same manner, we can look at this world right now and see that we need to get ready and help others to be prepared as well. The Good News is God's truth and it is the truth that sets us free. Don't be afraid to share it.