But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying its power. And from such people turn away. 2 Timothy 3: 1-5, NKJV.
Our Father, we are very gateful to You, that You have not left us in darkness concerning the things that are to come upon the world before You return. Please teach us how to be on guard against these dangers. In the name of Jesus we humbly pray. Amen.
As you read our Scripture for today, did you feel as if you were reading this morning’s newspaper? Well, if you did, you are not altogether wrong! I believe that the LORD is trying to get our attention! He is making us aware, that today, in different parts of the world, all of these behaviors are being displayed; because perilous times are here!
A very important point that we tend to overlook as we read Scripture is, who was/were the recipient(s) of the(se) letter(s), or, epistle(s). Whenever the content is one of reprimand, or warnings of perils to come; our first impression is that these letters were written for unbelievers! We are usually wrong. This letter from the apostle Paul, to his “dearly beloved son,” is actually intended to warn Timothy against false teachers, who were already within the church! This means, that all of us who profess Christianity, should “take heed lest [we] fall (1 Corinthians 10: 12)!
For the next few days we will be looking at different signs that indicate that these are perilous times in which we are living. I have divided these nineteen sinful behaviors into three groups: spiritual, emotional, and mental. You may divide them up differently. We will begin with those in the Mental group. While all sin, has its beginning in the mind; I believe that this group, in a special way, is greatly rationalized.
Mental: Lovers of themselves: This self-love does not have to take the extreme form of Narcissism; but it will manifest itself in acts of selfishness. Many times it will ignore the needs of others, to satisfy itself. At other times it will be somewhat reckless in having its way, by using others as a “stepping-stone” to reach where it wants to get. Lovers of money. You cannot miss this sign in today’s society. People will do whatever it takes to get money. While this has been the case in almost every generation; there seems to be an increase in our day. People who are otherwise very polished, and poised, will take part in certain reality shows that should not even be aired! They will live their lives in the eyes of the world, if the price is right! And do not forget that, “…the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6: 10)! Boasters. I believe that boasting here, is just another manifestation of self-love, which shows up as self-aggrandizement; whether that be of one’s person, one’s possessions, or one’s achievements. Of course this is usually done by comparing ourelves with someone who is not as well off as we are. Proud. Pride must be very harmful to our psyche. Of the six things that “God hates,” “a proud look,” (Proverbs 6: 16) is the first on the list. Pride in our achievements is not bad, when God is given the honor that He deserves. The acknowledging of God is actually a buffer against the corrosive effect of pride on our minds.
Have you noticed how all of the sins in the Mental group, that we have seen so far, manifest themselves in some form of self-love? We will continue with this group tomorrow.