Humanity is pridefully advancing to be its own god. The love of self is ferociously fighting to rule over authentic godliness—a transformed heart aligned with God’s will. This is an inner battle that is revealed in outward actions. It includes unbelievers and even many who identify themselves as Christians. An extreme love for self [pride] has made its way to the throne of human hearts! This means the door of the soul has swung open to a slithering and many times insidious, deceiving, and crouching evil—ready to strike and destroy lives. We must wake up and run to God, because this battle is the Lord’s! (1 Sam. 14:47).
I’m not an alarmist nor do I teach to stir worry or fear; I am actually hope-driven even as I share this devotion, today. Horrific things have happened all throughout history, so we all know humanity can engage in evil. Let’s not forget, human beings are sinners who need salvation. If salvation in Christ is not accepted, humans live in rebellion against God. Self begins to rule all thoughts and actions. Pride-filled people are not open to hear sound biblical Truth—the ways of Jesus.
Humanism is an ethical stance that places the needs, interests, and dignity of human beings at the center of all things—the focus is human autonomy with the belief there is only one life to live so please self! Listening to a humanist may at times even sound a bit “spiritual,” but trust me when I say humanism leaves God out of the “life” equation. It is pride-driven.
People can talk about “Christian values” and not demonstrate them; talk requires no sacrifice. These folks can even believe God is pleased with a feeble human attempt at appearing virtuous, when all he or she may really care about is how self “feels” at any given moment. The global church is many times focused on self-esteem issues and building bigger buildings to hold the masses, but the hearts of people are still lost to the real concerns of our Lord or the power he has offered to live for him.
If you miss anything else I share today, please hear this: Jesus calls believers to be truth-talkers and God-imitators who actually fight evil by victoriously living in Christ’s wholeness, love, and integrity! Jesus said, “But you are to be perfect [Gk. teleios meaning whole], even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Mat. 5:48). We must operate in God’s strength and power not our own, because he is making us whole. We are commissioned to deny self, pick up our cross [our desires], follow Christ, and tell others about the God who alone can save us! (Mat. 16:24).
Our passage today is so very important and I want you to read it over and over as you witness the present day events of the world. Connect and cling to Christ. The Apostle Paul is in a Roman prison cell writing to his spiritual son, Timothy, who is leading a church in Ephesus [approx 68AD]. Paul warns Timothy to keep the church within the bounds of sound doctrine while still preaching about hope in Christ. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul exhorts him to “Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you…” (1 Tim. 6:12). Now, he warns Timothy and all of us as believers that difficult times are a part of that “fight.” We are not to be afraid, we are to fight with God’s character, because the glory and power of heaven moves with us. Dwell in the true faith, friends!
2 Timothy 3:1-5b NLT The Dangers of the Last Days
1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.
Prayer: Lord, with our hope firmly planted in you, we follow your lead, today. We know you did not create us to live for self. You created us to worship and serve you, so you sent Jesus to show us the way. Please forgive our selfish inclinations and empower us to deny anything that would dishonor your godly character. We need help, so Holy Spirit please have your way in our hearts. We stand against evil by demonstrating your image. No weapon formed against us can prosper when we are willing to embrace and live for your eternal life grounded in the Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.