Itching!

Some have the idea that if the palm of your hand itches, it means you are going to come into some money. For many that would sound like a good itch to pursue. However -- even if such were true -- not all itches bring benefit in satisfying them.

When one has an itch on the skin there is the strong tendency to scratch. That scratching can feel so good and comforting for a while, but it is also possible to scratch to the point even more harm is done by making the area raw and open to infection. There is therefore the need to RESIST scratching the itch. If ointment doesn't work, sometimes FOCUSING THE MIND on something else can help since it seems the more the itch is the center of attention the more it itches.

This is also true relative to RESISTING the tendency to reject the truth to satisfy some other desire. The mind needs to not be allowed to remain resting on the desire that might be itching to be satisfied when that "itch" is contrary to the Will of God. Focused on the itch can actually draw more toward it.

In Paul's second letter to Timothy we read. . .
"(3) For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but HAVING ITCHING EARS they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, (4) and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." ( 2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV)

The Greek word used by Paul is "knetho" which means "to scratch" or "tickle". It is used metaphorically of an eagerness to hear. [source: W.E. Vine's Expos. Dict. Of N.T. Words] In the previous verses Paul exhorted Timothy toward diligence in the unceasing preaching of God's Word ( 2 Timothy 4:1-2) in order to ward off the desire to run off after other desires and ideologies.

Whatever one "wants" to hear, a teacher of it can usually be easily found in this world; especially via the internet today. However, let us RESIST scratching the itch or pursuing what simply tickles our fancy. Let us find the blessed satisfaction that comes through FOCUSING THE MIND on what we "need" to hear, for that will always come from God's Word. May we surround and fill our life with it!

Have a great day GENEROUSLY APPLYING THE BALM OF GOD'S WORD TO OUR LIFE!
Carl

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