For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.  But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

2 Timothy 4:3-5

 Jim Reeves (1923-1964) was a popular American singer and songwriter.  In 1962 he released a song titled “This World Is Not my Home”.  The song begins with these lines:

This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through,

My treasures are laid up; Somewhere beyond the blue,

The angels beckon me; From heaven's open door,
And I can't feel at home; In this world anymore.

 Reeves was voicing a sentiment often felt by those who have had the experience of living a long life and seeing the drastic changes that can occur from one decade to the next.  His words echo what some people are feeling today. The world we once knew has shifted.  The church we thought we knew has shifted.  Christians and their expression of the Christian faith have also shifted.  Like so many others before us have suspected, we are living in the times that Paul spoke about in his second letter to Timothy. A time when many refuse to put up with sound doctrine. A time of great disorientation.  In these uncertain times, Paul gives us three clear directives, that will keep us committed to nurturing each other and focused on what really matters.  Paul says:

 Keep your head-be clear-minded and sober and make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14). Hold your cool.

Endure hardship-be strong in the Lord and in his word. Nurture your faith daily; by putting on the full armor of God so you can withstand the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:11). Persevere.

Do the work-Focus on your God-given assignment.  As believers we believe that Jesus will return to earth the same way he left and will reward everyone according to what he has done. (Revelation 22:12).  What is your assignment?

 Jim Reeves was right, this world is not our home, we are all just passing through.  We are sojourners and exiles on our way to our eternal home, so let us leave a legacy of love on this earth, that others can emulate for years to come.

Whom do you need to show some loving gesture today? Amen.