Last days and everyday choices

 

2 Timothy 3:1-9

The thing about predicting the end of the world is that, someday, someone will be right about it. Until then, all the talk about the last days is just that. Talk. Many Christians look at the state of the world and are sure this is what the Bible was warning us about. Maybe they're right. Or perhaps there have always been patterns of brokenness that emerge to the forefront of a society and culture. Of course, I don't mean to downplay what we see. Like you, I notice the selfishness, greed, and misplaced love that get celebrated and perpetuated today. It fills our newsfeed and shapes our values because it's almost impossible to ignore. But I don't see those things and think about the end of the world. I see them as proof that we have always had the same choice. Will we love ourselves first, or love God most? Last days moments happen in every generation. As the world chooses self-centeredness, what is our response? Many Christians are at the ready to call out the world's sins. Sometimes, though, that's self-righteousness dressed up as holiness. Today's text from 2 Timothy offers a simple response to what we see in the world: Avoid them! Maybe spend less energy pointing fingers at people you barely know, and instead take the more introspective route. Make sure you're not settling for the lesser things yourself. No, really, make sure. A Christian label doesn't mean there's an inner transformation of the Spirit. It's possible to look faithful but live faithlessly. That's the danger I read again and again in scripture, and worry about more and more. So, avoid those things that lure you into that kind of life and find the abundance of God that comes from true obedience to the Lord. Today, take inventory of your loves. Ask the Spirit to strip away anything in you that only looks godly and replace it with a living faith in Jesus. Stay blessed...john