Devotion – II Timothy 4

S – But know this: Hard times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people

2 Timothy 3:1–5 CSB

O – A strong list of bad behaviors and attitudes.  Apparently, this isn’t just those who are unbelievers.  There are Christians who struggle with these as well and put on the “shell” of being a Christian.  In doing so, they know of Him but lack the transformational relationship in knowing Him.  Stay away from these people.

A – The last days are described as the days of the early church until Christ’s return.  So, it was evident in Paul’s time until today.  Any of these qualities are evident in today’s society.  There are people who demonstrate this in their words, thoughts and actions.  Vs. 5 is pivotal.  In a genuine relationship with Christ, we don’t put on a front of accepting Him.  We believe and move toward being more like Christ.  The struggle is real and is evident that the person isn’t playing games.  Avoid the person who mocks God by knowing about Him but doesn’t engage Him as Lord and Savior.

R – Lord, help me to be genuine in my own struggle of following you.  Help me to love those who don’t. And help me to set boundaries to keep my journey without anything that would sideline me from you.

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