Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017

It is disheartening to see so many instances of women being subjected to sexual harassment and worse over the past few decades from prominent men in our society. For some, it is also very difficult to grapple with the idea that someone that many people respected and held up as a beacon of success could have been secretly behaving in such a destructive manner. However this is the reality of sin. It is not readily apparent, it slithers unseen beneath our public façades, and it tempts and taints every human heart. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul cautions him of the time to come, when sin will bind the world and worship of God will be sparse. He says, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” Paul’s warning seems truer now than ever. But look to what he advises – “Avoid such people.” He does not say to cure them, to berate them, to curse them, or anything else. He simply says to avoid them. As Christians, we are called to love God above all else. Part of this means walking away from business opportunities, music, movies, or other things that promote a sinful life or are created by unrepentant sinners. We cannot further the Kingdom of God by supporting those who seek to destroy it. Today, pray for our nation, that sin be banished and that we may live more and more harmoniously each day with each other, giving glory to our Father in Heaven.

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” – 2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV