2 Timothy 4
1 Timothy 4:1-16 (NKJV)
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;
5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.
7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.
8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
11 These things command and teach.
12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.
15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
What we meditate on is critical in its progressive effect in our lives, either towards godly traits that result in salvation, or divisive and constraining ones that lead to failure and death. Doctrines that lead from an embrace of love in the spirit, with faith and purity to judgmental and accusatory condemnations of religion will only produce failed relationships and inept kingdom service. The strife and division that comes from doctrines of demons become a self-defining revelation of its source, while caring for gifts received for the purpose of love’s doctrine will only show the heart of the Father. It is perilous to latch onto something that itches the ears and elevates some above others, while salvation and peace are found in a doctrine that lays down one’s life for the sake of the human reason-defying way of love. There will be evidence of where we’ve been in our minds over time, either growth towards faith that binds us together in a message of freedom or regression towards isolation and a love of the world over our God in each other.