Scripture – “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
2 Timothy 3:1-5
Observation – In the last days there will be terrible times because people will become more evil. All they will care about is themselves and how they can maximize and promote their own welfare at the expense of others. They will speak in a way that makes them appear righteous but when it comes to true love, sacrificial giving of themselves and their finances they will always reveal their true nature which is lovers of themselves.
Application – Our natural inclination when we read about people like this is to shake our heads and resolve to avoid these types of characters. That is a good idea but we should also look at this description and see if we have grown complacent in our walk with Jesus and if we are trending towards selfishness, envy, greed, unforgiveness or have become lovers of pleasure. It happens slowly as we spend more time with other Christians and subconsciously believe that God saved us because we are awesome versus his grace and mercy. Loving the lost and sacrificial living keeps us close to Jesus and humble.
Prayer – Dear Jesus, help us to examine ourselves and repent if our love has grown cold. I pray too that we would have nothing to do with people that are using you for selfish gain.
What are you doing? Do it better 