Failure to Listen to God

Accept and be grateful for divine discipline; your life will be better for it.

2 Timothy 4:1–4.

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul instructed his pupil to preach the Word and correct and admonish with great patience (4:2). A pastor could hardly have a tougher job than this, as few people respond well to discipline. What you do when you are criticized reveals a lot about your spiritual growth. According to Scripture, “one who neglects discipline rejects himself,” whereas “one whose ear listens to a life-giving rebuke will stay among the wise” (Proverbs 15:31-32).

Every time we receive criticism, we are at a crossroads between good and evil. Either we accept correction and mature, or we reject it and begin down the slippery slope indicated in 2 Timothy 4. In this verse, Paul describes the behavior of individuals who have grown tired of reproof. He claims that people would reject solid theology and instead accept teachings that “tickle” their ears (v. 3). Afterward, people “will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths” (v. 4, emphasis mine).

We cannot afford to disregard the truth, even if our detractors are immature, stupid, or tactless. Be watchful of God’s voice, whatever form it may take.