Diligence - Signs of the Times

I read this passage yesterday and was amazed.

1Timothy 4 (New International Version)

1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. 11Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers

A while back (2-3 years ago) Oprah started her own Bible Study of sorts...I think it is more like a pep rally for self. Bits and pieces were taken from the Bible and added to. But it is a convoluted sort of feel good compilation of stuff. I think Oprah has a heart that means to serve others well...but - in this "Bible Study" I think she may be off the mark. Anyway...there are many things that have come about lately that show that we are doing exactly what 1 Timothy 4 says.

We are allowing small seeds of untruth to bed themselves into our thoughts and it simply changes the meaning of Scripture. Remember our rule to live by is the Word of God. It is our plumb line, our compass - it is how we stay on course. Without measuring what we hear to the Word we will more than likely be deceived. Because quite honestly what Oprah says is not bad stuff. She is a kind, and giving person. Yet, it is not scripture and it very self driven.

So in light of all of these things that we are constantly hearing and have a tendency to take root in our thoughts - we are to tell each other and keep each other in the Word. To be DILIGENT in rightly dividing the Word of God. To measure everything we hear and everything we say to the Truth that is revealed there.

Be in the Word daily...be diligent.

It is very important in these later times.