This narrow way

 “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3,4.

Paul’s letters to Timothy are written to encourage Timothy in his work as the pastor of the church at Ephesus.

“Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13

“In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.” 1 Timothy 4:6

Paul contrasts sound words and sound doctrine with a different doctrine and a strange doctrine.

“If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing…” 1 Timothy 6:3.

“…remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men no to teach strange doctrines…But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:3,5.

Paul told the church in Rome where those different and strange doctrines lead.

“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.” Romans 16:17,18.

Just what itching ears are looking for. Smooth, flattering, deceptive speech. Something easy and attractive, not harsh and offensive like “If anyone would come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24) or “they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of my name.” (Luke 21:16, 17). Itching ears don’t want any of that.

Itching ears want the prosperity gospel. Itching ears want to name it and claim it. Itching ears want to hear that Jesus is their own personal genie in a bottle. Say a few magic words and he’ll give you every material thing your little heart desires. Itching ears don’t want to hear about sin or repentance. Nah, we can save ourselves and create our own dreams by the power of our faith. Itching ears want to see signs and hear about personal conversations and revelations from God, like ‘God told me to tell you to send me money.’ Itching ears don’t really care if they’re being deceived as long as they get a good show.  

“The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love it this way! But what will you do when the end comes?” Jeremiah 5:31.

And finally, this from probably the most well-known ear scratcher in the country today, smilin’ Joel Osteen, the used car salesman pastor of a Houston megachurch:

“God is not going to just deliver you, not going to just bring you out, He’s going to endorse you. He’s going to put you in a position of prominence where people can see you honored, respected, and admired…When God can trust you, He will take you from obscurity to notoriety. I believe and declare you are coming into a new level of prominence, a new level of influence, a new level of income.”

I guess smilin’ Joel’s version of the Bible left this verse out.

“…for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14.