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- Oct 26, 2007
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For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, [because] they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 2 Timothy 4:3 NKJV
No one likes being wrong. It’s unpleasant when someone disagrees with you, but in business, in life, and in your walk with Christ, such conflict is vital to success.
Walter Wrigley, founder of Wrigley Chewing Gum, once said, “When two people always agree, one of them is unnecessary.” Businesses thrive when managers empower their employees to speak the truth. Conversely, businesses fail when their leaders listen to bad counsel.
One of the factors that led to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers bank was its habit of firing employees who voiced dissent. Though it was the fourth-largest investment bank in the United States, its size couldn’t overcome bad counsel.
The Christian life is no different. If you surround yourself with people who tell you just what you want to hear, your relationship with Christ will suffer. You need people who will give you sound doctrine, even when (especially when) it hurts.
If you haven’t been offended at church recently, ask yourself if you’re listening to sound doctrine. If not, it’s time to get your itchy ears checked and find some teachers who will give you the truth.
Prayer: Lord, keep my ears from itching for comfort when I need to hear uncomfortable truths. Surround me with good teachers, and help me follow their advice.
No one likes being wrong. It’s unpleasant when someone disagrees with you, but in business, in life, and in your walk with Christ, such conflict is vital to success.
Walter Wrigley, founder of Wrigley Chewing Gum, once said, “When two people always agree, one of them is unnecessary.” Businesses thrive when managers empower their employees to speak the truth. Conversely, businesses fail when their leaders listen to bad counsel.
One of the factors that led to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers bank was its habit of firing employees who voiced dissent. Though it was the fourth-largest investment bank in the United States, its size couldn’t overcome bad counsel.
The Christian life is no different. If you surround yourself with people who tell you just what you want to hear, your relationship with Christ will suffer. You need people who will give you sound doctrine, even when (especially when) it hurts.
If you haven’t been offended at church recently, ask yourself if you’re listening to sound doctrine. If not, it’s time to get your itchy ears checked and find some teachers who will give you the truth.
Prayer: Lord, keep my ears from itching for comfort when I need to hear uncomfortable truths. Surround me with good teachers, and help me follow their advice.
