2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV
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.
Are You Living a Godly Life or Just Displaying a Form of Godliness?
I believe the pain and turmoil in the world today are signs that Satan’s time is drawing near, just as God warns us in the Bible. Jesus cautioned that many will fail to find the narrow road (Matthew 7:13). This should serve as a wake-up call for all Christians to examine their motives and way of life. If Christianity is the largest religion in the world and Islam is the second largest (Britannica.com), why did Jesus say the road to destruction is wide while the path to life is narrow? Have you truly reflected on Jesus’ warning about the path to God’s kingdom?
Jesus warned us that many would miss the mark. That is why, on the last day, many will be shocked to find they are not welcomed into the kingdom of God (Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus is not interested in empty religious rituals or superficial knowledge of spirituality—He desires a reverent connection and the complete surrender of one’s life. If religious status and knowledge alone were enough, why didn’t He call the Pharisees and Sadducees to follow Him? (John 5:39-47, Galatians 2:16). God is seeking those who are willing to empty their souls of Satan’s deceptions so He can fill them with a purpose far greater than the temporary life we live on earth (Luke 19:10, Mark 2:17, Matthew 9:22, Romans 3:20). The disciples Jesus called were seeking for something greater than earthly gains. However, like the disciples, even if we are called and seem to meet these criteria, if we continue clinging to our sinful nature, Satan can easily use us to destroy our own souls. Need an example? Consider Judas Iscariot. Judas made a choice that allowed Satan to enter his heart (Luke 22:3-6, John 13:27). Historians have discovered that Judas’ surname in Latin, Sicarius, translates to “murderer” or “assassin.” His origins are linked to a radical Jewish group, some of whom were known as terrorists in Jesus’ time (Source: Britannica.com). Do you see the parallel with Genesis 3:1? "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, "You must not eat from any tree in the garden"?’"
God is ready to use you, no matter your background or family history. However, if you come to Him only partially surrendered, holding onto your old self, you give Satan an entry point to use you as his vessel. I pray you recognize that your past is forgiven when you surrender your life to Jesus. However, the scars remain, serving as reminders of the weaknesses that must be crucified daily. Awareness of these weaknesses is vital for recognizing and resisting demonic attacks in your life. May God guide you to complete surrender through the power of the Holy Spirit.
