October 24–Awfulness

It’s Thursday and I hope your week has gone well. A couple of days ago, I got a strange video clip that appeared to be from a sweet friend of mine. She of course didn’t send it, but some ornery person was trying to cause issues. We both were once again surprised at the “why” people would do this sort of thing—just to bother other people they may or may not know? It doesn’t make sense, but it happens to all of us and far too often—the hacked accounts, stolen identities—it is exhausting. 


“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, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people. 2 Timothy‬ ‭3:1-5 ‭MSG‬‬


It’s sad and frightening to read this list of what people will be like in the last days, yet it shows us that as society gets darker, we as Christians have an opportunity to actually shine brighter. We don’t have to be like the world, in fact, we don’t want to be. We want to stand separate and apart from that list of awful characteristics. Our list of characteristics should be exactly the opposite with goodness, kindness, patience, love, peace, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. We could hardly count ourself as one of God’s own if we are “self-absorbed, money hungry, addicted to lust and treacherous!”


It is Christ who compels us to go from loving ourselves to loving God. Instead of being proud and arrogant, we have the opportunity to show the world what it looks like to be humble and kind and live for something greater than ourselves. Instead of finding our worth in our bank accounts, cars, job titles, or religious activities, we find our worth in Him. Instead of appearing to be religious on the outside, we throw off legalism and exchange it for our relationship with Christ. 


Dear Jesus, Help us to be salt and light in an ever increasing dark world. Instead of getting discouraged by what we see around us, empower us to make a difference. We pray for your Spirit to shine through us and to help us stay on guard against letting the awfulness of sin creep in. Help us to stay focused on You and not become distracted by the world. We love you and worship you today. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear friend, 

Pam

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