The Changing Season

Wanting What We Want

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul encouraged the young evangelist with these words:

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
2 Timothy 4:1, 2 (NASU)

He then followed by explaining a quintessential failing of humanity: our desire to hear what we want to hear.

Meaning of “Season”

Paul’s use of the term “season” is a very fitting one. The world is a place which is driven by the winds of a particular season or popular thought of the day. For instance, during this time of year the world is (somewhat) more tolerant of religious displays or ideas concerning God and Christ. While many of these displays are either perverted beyond reason or approached in vain, the slight openness toward any subject pertaining to God and Christ is a part of the “holiday” season.

However, the seasons do change, just as the days shift into other days. It is curious just how quickly the season of the world will shift from a begrudging tolerance to return to abject hatred of Christ and what He represents. It is as if someone from the world tells a Christian something similar to the following: “Look Mr. or Mrs. Christian. We had a good time talking about Jesus and the joy He brought to the world. Can’t we just stop talking about Him now?” For those that consider this to be an unfair assessment, just consider how popular the story of Jesus becomes in January.

Unfortunate Behavior

The irony of this is how well it demonstrates human nature. Paul understood this idea with the above words. While he was not referring to a particular season of holiday cheer, his words focus upon the shifting attention and cares of man. His words also emphasize the truth that the message of Christ needs to be preached nonetheless. The time for proclaiming Christ is now, whether it is in season or not.

If the season has men and women thinking about Christ just a small amount that can be a great starting point for preaching more. If the season changes once more, and men and women no longer want to hear about Christ, then it is our responsibility to remind them why He is so important. Of course this assumes that learning about Christ remains in season all year long for us. Otherwise we are no better than the world.