2 Timothy 4:3 KJV
[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Have you ever scratched a hound dog behind its ears? Dogs just can’t seem to get enough ear scratching. I can recall countless times when my boyhood hound dog Sam would cozy up to me, nudge my hand and encourage me to scratch behind his ears. Seems like Sam especially enjoyed this if I told him he was a “good dog.”
The more you scratched his ears, the more ear scratching Sam wanted. Caution was often advised before petting Sam as I can also recall countless times seeing old Sam wallowing in manure or whatever foul substance he could find.
I had trained Sam in all the dog obedience basics—sit, roll over, stay and so on. We had many glorious days afield hunting or just roaming the fields and hillsides for fun. I was especially pleased with Sam’s ability to fetch. He minded very well for the most part, except for when it came to horse or cow manure. Oh, I could stop Sam from wallowing if I scolded him soon enough, but turn my head for one second and he was rolling in filth.
My parents had charged me with taking care of most of Sam’s needs and that included keeping him as clean as possible. As much as Sam loved manure, he hated a bath even more and I didn’t care much for giving him a bath either.
Alas, as a faithful dog owner I did my due diligence and faithfully bathed old Sam as necessary. I am convinced Sam would frown at the sight of a water hose and Joy dishwashing soap.
It was comical to see him all suds’d up, with his ears lowered, his brow ridges lowered and his stubby tail tucked in. It was also sad, because at least in my mind Sam projected a since of remorse and I somewhat pitied him. Nevertheless, Sam was my charge and I was determined to complete my mission.
2 Timothy 4:1-5 KJV
[1] I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; [2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. [3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. [5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.