But know this, that in the last days
perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of
themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to
parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving,
slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors,
headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God
2 Timothy 3:1-4
It’s a
tough description. This particular stretch in Paul’s letter to Timothy provides
a laundry list of misguided attitudes, desire, behaviors and priorities. In the midst of this list is a great message
about love. The message is summarized in two words that are tucked away in the
fourth verse: “rather than”. At first these words may seem innocuous. But they
are tethered to desire and choice. “Rather than” exposes what happens when a
heart is inclined in the wrong direction. Oh, it’s not that Paul is teaching
that self, money or pleasure is the great evil. Instead, Paul wants to warn
against an unholy competition. Will I love money, rather than God? Will I love
myself as if I am in charge of my life? Will I love pleasure so much that I
would not consider suffering inconvenience on God’s behalf? Today, it’s easy to
live a “rather than” life. But, the cost is immeasurable. Slowly, we forget
that the objects of my affection motivate me. If my love for something other
than God climbs to the top of my priorities, my life will drift. What do I
love? Who do I love? I need to revisit these important questions on a regular
basis. And I need to cultivate my love for God.
There is not in the world a kind of life
more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God. Those
only can comprehend it who practice and experience it; yet I do not advise you
to do it from that motive. It is not pleasure which we ought to seek in this
exercise, but let us do it from a principle of love, and because God would have
us.
Brother Lawrence
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