2 Timothy 3:1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form ofgodliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
His Majesty
Is the world getting any better? In the issue of The Correspondence on 7 November 2019, Rob Wijnberg wrote with a title: “The great paradox of our time: everything is both better and worse than ever before.” Understandably, one’s viewpoint on whether things are better or worse today is highly subjective. It depends upon which and what is compared from one side of the world with another.
Paul’s fatherly description of the last days does not get along with the paradox. He warns his son that the world is not getting any better. As expectant of the last days, he looks forward to what may the next generation have to face. For Timothy or those that will follow after, the roadblocks could no longer be the trial of their faith by persecution. It may be the temptation that puts their faith and godliness on the
line. The next generation is more exposed to society’s moral decay being lovers of self, lovers of money, and others rather than lovers of God.
The power of godliness defines the true believer. It does not appear godly, it is wholly godly in heart, thoughts, and way of life. It knows where to draw the line between false and true godliness and therefore produces distinct values worthy of God-likeness.
My Inmost
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that you loved me first through Jesus Christ before I could love you in return. Please give me the wisdom to draw the line and to resist that makes me love anything more than you. May all that is in me be known to you and to everyone more than the words I say. I commit and pray with thanksgiving in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
G.P. Improso
