	Bob Hostetler > Devotions

Suit Yourself

by Bob Hostetler

"The time will come when men. . . to suit their own desires. . . will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear" (2 Timothy 4:3, NIV).

A new suit from J. C. Penney occasioned one of the worst arguments my wife and I have ever had.

I had stubbornly resisted going shopping with her, so she bought a suit and brought it home. It hung in my closet for weeks before I finally tried it on; it didn't fit. It was too late to return it, so my wife began measuring and pinning it for alterations. I put up such a childish fuss, however, that she eventually threw up her hands and told me, "Do it yourself!"

I have never tried to take my own measurements before, but I knew I was not equal to that task. I finally humbled myself and submitted to her ministrations.

Paul's words to Timothy recall the unflattering picture of me, standing on a chair, wondering how I would "suit myself." Yet many people attempt just that. Disdaining the clear demands of God, they seek to measure themselves by their desires, and look for teachers who will speak what they want to hear.

Of course, even as a Christ-follower, I am subject to that temptation. I must often humble and examine myself to be sure I am not searching for texts and teachers that only rationalize attitudes and behaviors I do not wish to change.

Prayer: Lord, please guide me into truth and steer me away from error.

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