Heralds Digest

"..and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." (2 Timothy 4:4 NKJV) "Preach the word", admonishes the preacher's mentor. Obviously, the words from the preacher's pulpit or practices are not only meant for the preacher's admirers, but also for the preacher's attention. God's words are two-edged swords, cutting across the speaker and listeners with equal veracity. This implies that the ear that pay attention to the truth is saved from error, irrespective of the source of communication. Therefore, failure to daily live for the truth equals consent to be turned aside to fables.

"And they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry". (2 Timothy 4:4-5 NKJV) The major challenge in ministries today is compromise, or the sensitivity of the body system to comfort and conveniences. Where performance index is determined by physical prosperity, all variables with no promising determinant for material wealth are reasonably compromised. Unlike a jellyfish with high sensitivity to trials and afflictions, Paul's body system was powered by inner sensitivity to the truth of God's word. Evidently, no ministry can conveniently design a tracking system for the treasure of this world and the truth of God's word without losing its focus on heaven.