2 Timothy 3:1-5 (MSG) "Don't be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, disobedient of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, allergic to God. They'll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they're animals. Stay clear of these people."
Wow! We are totally living in these times, according to these descriptions! Ouch. The last few descriptions really got me: "addicted to lust and allergic to God". Addicted to ALL of the things listed actually. Allergic to God.... allergic to good in general. Allergic to right verses wrong. Waiting verses instant gratification. Having honor and respect for people, places and things verses entitlement. The other thing that struck me - is that EVERY generation seems to have one of these "end of times" moments. When an era comes to an end, the behaviors of us, the people, fits these scripture verses perfectly. Even back in the 20's and 30's - when prohibition was running wild. Behind the scenes was a totally different story. Back in the bible times, same thing. People have and always will, behave in these cycles. Then when someone decides enough is enough - the people rally together and start to make changes. We revert back to a "civilized" people for a bit... then it starts the cycle all over again.
The thing about listing all of these attributes of people (at least for me ) is that certain people in our lives instantly pop into our head of these examples. However, God does not want us to be with and hang around people like this. LOL I guess that is kind of hard if it is in your family, even harder if it is in your household. However, it is easier than you think to "stay clear of these people". Hobbies, activities, gatherings, small group studies... When we choose to do healthy things, people that are interested in the above list WILL find ways to be 'away' from us!
Today, lets reflect on this list and see if we have fallen into any of these patterns. If we have, then we need to take our little selves right up to the feet of God and ask for His forgiveness. THEN make a change. If we really want to, God will allow the Holy Spirit to nudge us each and every time we fall into any of these old patterns and behaviors. I pray you are willing and ready to break free from these things. Don't be naive, get wise. Have a wonderful day! Be well, be safe, be wise.
Wow! We are totally living in these times, according to these descriptions! Ouch. The last few descriptions really got me: "addicted to lust and allergic to God". Addicted to ALL of the things listed actually. Allergic to God.... allergic to good in general. Allergic to right verses wrong. Waiting verses instant gratification. Having honor and respect for people, places and things verses entitlement. The other thing that struck me - is that EVERY generation seems to have one of these "end of times" moments. When an era comes to an end, the behaviors of us, the people, fits these scripture verses perfectly. Even back in the 20's and 30's - when prohibition was running wild. Behind the scenes was a totally different story. Back in the bible times, same thing. People have and always will, behave in these cycles. Then when someone decides enough is enough - the people rally together and start to make changes. We revert back to a "civilized" people for a bit... then it starts the cycle all over again.
The thing about listing all of these attributes of people (at least for me ) is that certain people in our lives instantly pop into our head of these examples. However, God does not want us to be with and hang around people like this. LOL I guess that is kind of hard if it is in your family, even harder if it is in your household. However, it is easier than you think to "stay clear of these people". Hobbies, activities, gatherings, small group studies... When we choose to do healthy things, people that are interested in the above list WILL find ways to be 'away' from us!
Today, lets reflect on this list and see if we have fallen into any of these patterns. If we have, then we need to take our little selves right up to the feet of God and ask for His forgiveness. THEN make a change. If we really want to, God will allow the Holy Spirit to nudge us each and every time we fall into any of these old patterns and behaviors. I pray you are willing and ready to break free from these things. Don't be naive, get wise. Have a wonderful day! Be well, be safe, be wise.
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