DISCERN THE TIMES
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV
Every keen and sincere believer would agree that our theme scripture is especially descriptive of the times we are in.
It’s fascinating to see that in the midst of grave matters like slander, conceit, and abuse, Paul tucks in what some might call lesser offenses—disrespecting parents, loving self, ingratitude, and rashness. Many justify dishonoring parents, for example, because some have failed them or haven’t raised them as well as others may have. But there is no perfect blueprint for parenting. Each parent gives what they know, and each will give account before God. Yet Scripture does not attach obedience or honor to whether or not our parents were flawless—it commands it regardless.
The same principle applies to all Paul mentions. These attitudes are as evident in our day as they were in his, proving that we continue to live in the perilous stretch he called “the last days.”
Paul gives us counsel: Avoid such people. Not in hatred, but in wisdom. Discern who influences your spirit. Be vigilant about who you lend your ears to, who you allow to shape your values, and who you walk with.
In these days, discernment is not optional—it is survival.
Prayer: Father, I thank you. It was not only given unto me to discern the times but the ability to respond to what they demand in wisdom. May it be said of me that I glorified you, and was quick to take correction when given to me, in Jesus name. Amen!
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• 1 Corinthians 15:33
• 1 Thessalonians 5:14
