Turning Points

And they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 2 Timothy 4:4 (New King James Version)

The Bible is very multi-layered. One thing I learned in Bible school years ago was that Scripture has one interpretation but many applications. For years I seemed to limit myself to the interpretation of Scripture and could not see the personal applications. I could understand who it was originally written to but when it came to applying it to my own life and circumstances I floundered. That is no longer the case. God’s Word comes alive to me now and each time I read it the personal applications are very evident.

Years ago, I would have read today’s verse and simply thought of the people who turn away from sound doctrine to follow after man’s philosophies and fables (falsehoods and lies). While that is the interpretation of this verse, God has wasted no time in bringing out the daily application for me. He has graciously personalized it in a precious way.

I came to know Christ as a teenager and while I was fortunate to learn a lot of sound doctrine, my mindsets and view of life were distorted in many ways. I had skewed thoughts about God, myself, people, circumstances, and how life worked. Coming to Christ and entering adulthood did not automatically “fix” all of that. While truth was introduced, lies were still embedded. I have had to come to the place of seeing that and also seeing where I have a choice in the direction my ears are turned. When I choose to listen to and believe God and what He says to me through His Word, His Spirit, and His people, I walk in victory and counter the lies. But when I (by an act of my own will) choose to listen to and believe the voice of the Enemy and my past interpretations and distortions of the truth, I struggle and fail.

Learning the truth and choosing to replace the lies with that truth is not always easy. I have had to realize that what I have grown accustomed to and comfortable with is not always best for me. I have had to ask God and other believers to help me see where my thinking is not accurate. Their answers have often brought me to tears but the tears were used to water the seeds of truth they were planting in me. As I see growth and change I am encouraged. I am also given more steps of obedience to take in order to continue learning the truth. I am noticing a shift in the counsel God gives me through others as well as a deeper awareness of my personal responsibility in what I am choosing to believe and act upon. But it is all necessary as I seek healing, wholeness, and freedom in my life.

Father, You have been patiently and persistently teaching me how to turn my ears toward truth. How painful have been the times they then turned back toward the lies. Anoint them with Your Spirit today to stay bent toward You! Amen.