Forward to the Kingdom!

By guest blogger Whitney Smith

When God makes something holy, He sets it apart as something that is special. Knowing that God creates all that is considered holy, what element of becoming unholy then sounds appealing to people? Unholiness goes completely against what God created and what we’re expected to be.

I’d argue that very few intend to become “unholy,” as the people of the perilous last days are described in 2 Timothy 3:2. The word implies becoming wicked, unrighteous, sinful and not sacred.

Recent headlines illustrate some of the wickedness in the world today: “In War Zones, Rape Is a Powerful Weapon,” “Massacre Leaves 13 Dead at Fort Hood” and “Former NYC Police Commissioner Kerik Pleads Guilty.”

Of course, unholiness and wickedness are not new. The word wicked is used over 340 times in the Bible; it was a problem in biblical times as well.

So it comes back to my initial question: What is appealing about becoming unholy? The key to answering this question is to understand whose influence the world is currently under. Satan roams the earth, looking for those who are susceptible to his deceit (Job 1:7; Revelation 12:9). He understands what we as humans desire and knows how to play into what appeals to our inherent nature.

Satan is like a roaring lion...

As a result of Satan’s cunning ability to mask his intentions, we have to be able to perceive his influence in what we watch, listen to, read and become involved with. Peter gives the advice, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Avoiding unholiness requires completely transforming our way of thinking to be in a right mind-set in line with what God teaches.

To learn more about Satan and how to avoid his ever-present influence in the world, read “How Can We Resist Satan?” from the booklet Is There Really a Devil?

To see the other articles in this series on signs of the perilous end times, see the “Signs of Perilous Times” category.

By guest blogger Whitney Smith

Most of us sense that thankfulness is declining and ingratitude is booming. But, of course, ingratitude does not often make the news, except when a rich celebrity acts as if the world owes him or her everything and treats others with disdain and ingratitude.

But another kind of story I read recently memorably illustrates the principle of being unthankful. In 2004, Alexandra Van Horn was pulled out of a crashed vehicle by Lisa Torti, who thought the car was going to explode or catch fire. Torti didn’t realize that she would find herself being sued by Van Horn for her actions. In a split decision, the California Supreme Court determined that her actions might have caused Van Horn to become paraplegic, allowing the lawsuit to proceed.

According to a Time magazine article, this court ruling makes “Good Samaritans” question their actions, knowing they might be found liable for an attempted rescue. Considering the possibilities of the car exploding or catching fire, it seems ironic that Lisa Torti was sued rather than thanked. However, this is only one dramatic case, as being unthankful is becoming more and more common in everyday life.

In many wealthy, prosperous areas, it seems apparent that more people are discounting the blessings that we have received in comparison to those around us. Taking the time to acknowledge the opportunities and freedoms we’ve been granted will enable us to avoid becoming like the people of the last days Paul described as “unthankful” in 2 Timothy 3:2.

Is thankfulness becoming rarer?

Being thankful to God for the many opportunities we’ve been privileged to have will remind us where these blessings come from. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

It’s a continual process of checking our own attitudes to ensure we’re focusing on the positives. Times can get busy, overwhelming and downright hard at points. Having the confidence in God and being thankful for what He’s blessed us with will strengthen the positive attitude He seeks.

To learn more about developing an attitude of thankfulness, read “Thanksgiving Daily.”

To see the other articles in this series on prophesied signs of the perilous end times, see the “Signs of Perilous Times” category.

By guest blogger Whitney Smith

The sixth attitude that Paul addresses in 2 Timothy 3:2, the signs of perilous times, is that children will be disobedient to their parents. Not having kids myself, I find it interesting to observe how openly some children are allowed to disobey their parents in public. My brother and I toss around statements like, “If I had done that as a child, then I would have been [insert form of discipline here].”

Researching this topic on the Internet was quite enlightening. There are numerous discussion groups, question and answer blogs, help forums and online books attempting to aid frustrated parents dealing with disobedient children. Some Web sites attribute misbehavior to the parents’ lack of discipline. Others say that parents need to understand the causes behind a child’s misbehavior—such as children feeling neglected and crying out for attention. Likely both are true in many cases.

In a study, 79 percent of parents reported tantrums happening often.

A study published in Early Childhood Research and Practice in September 2007 monitored 33 preschool children to observe the amount and severity of their tantrums. The results showed that 79 percent of the parents reported tantrums happening often (daily to once a week). Nearly a third rated the tantrums as distressing or disturbing (a 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale) and half rated the tantrums as noticeable or distracting (a 3 on a 5-point scale). This illustrates that a vast majority of the children studied demonstrated noticeably loud tantrums at least once a week.

Whether the cause of disobedience lies with the children or the parents, dealing with misbehaving children effectively is essential for a healthy relationship in the future.

Proverbs speaks at length about the wise and obedient son who will make his parents proud (Proverbs 10:1; 13:1; 15:20; 17:25; 19:26). This ideal relationship is built on the biblical principles of parental nurture and discipline and an understanding by the children that they are to respect their parents—the authority that God has placed over them (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-4).

Disobedience would subside if children were lovingly taught at an early age to respect the parents’ decision rather than being allowed to take control like so many examples I’ve seen out in public. Proverbs 6:20 teaches this principle very simply: “My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother.”

By learning what God expects out of us, either as the child or as the parent, we can contribute to a more rewarding relationship and avoid contributing to this negative sign of the last days.

To learn more about teaching the principle of obedience, read “Successful Parenting: What Makes It Work?”

To see the other articles in this series on signs of the perilous end times, see the “Signs of Perilous Times” category.

By guest blogger Whitney Smith

One of the most common phrases today among teens and young adults illustrates the fifth sign of the perilous last days in 2 Timothy 3:2: “For men will be…blasphemers.” Whether it is texting, chat or plain talking, God’s name is being abused.

Using God's name as nothing more than an exclamation is a common infraction of the Third Commandment.

According to www.hollywoodandgod.com, many of the top films in theaters today use God’s name in vain. It goes beyond the R-rated movies that we assume would contain blasphemy. Even movies aimed at kids like X-Games 3-D: The Movie, Shorts and Where the Wild Things Are all contain at least one reference to God in an unbiblical way, as do many prime-time broadcast TV shows.

It’s true that if we hear something enough times, we will begin to imitate it. I noticed this when I moved to Indiana from upstate New York and I began to imitate the sayings and dialects of those I went to school with. In the same way, if we are around those who use God’s name in vain, then we are more likely to pick up the phrases without consciously realizing it.

In Exodus 20:7 God gives us a direct command to “not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” I’ve heard the argument that the phrases are merely filler words not intended to be taken seriously, but is that what God thinks?

When we use God’s name, we should really consider the context in which it’s being used. Is it in prayer, in God-centered conversation or is it thrown out to add emphasis to subjects irrelevant to our communication with God?

In Acts 26:11, Paul described how he persecuted the Church before his conversion. “I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme.” If it took torture to force people to blaspheme God’s name, then why would we want to commit this sin of our own free will?

God gives us a great privilege to be able to come to Him and seek His guidance and advice. We are able to call upon His name whenever we need instruction or comfort. Let’s not take this great blessing lightly by abusing God’s name in daily conversation. Read more about this in “The Third Commandment: From Profanity to Praise.”

To see the other articles in this series on signs of the perilous end times, see the “Signs of Perilous Times” category.

By guest blogger Whitney Smith

In a society that thrives on becoming the best, the brightest and the most successful, people are told to build themselves up to stand out among their peers. Although self-confidence can help build reassurance for tasks that we are truly qualified for, arrogance can too often take the lead.

In the last days, men will be boasters and proud...

In 2 Timothy 3:2, the Bible describes a dangerous time when men will become boasters and proud. Instead of having humility and acknowledging God’s hand in their lives, men will look to themselves for answers from their own abilities without regard for others.

Evan Thomas’ column “The Politics of Arrogance” in Newsweek discusses how political candidates do not want to display any form of humility on the platform to avoid the chance of looking wimpy. These politicians, our leaders, are afraid to show humility. They often choose to boast about their strengths and personal accomplishments in order to gain a sense of respect from those they govern.

But God expects His people to be humble. God told Solomon, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Many passages depict humility as a positive characteristic that God values and respects in people (Psalm 147:6; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).

Becoming more like what God desires and less of what we see displayed by our leaders, our athletes and our entertainers will allow us to avoid the qualities described in 2 Timothy 3. Having a humble attitude instead of becoming boastful and proud will allow us to truly give God the credit for His work within us now.

For more on the antidote to boastfulness and pride, see “Humility and Pride.”

To see the other articles in this series on signs of the perilous end times, see the “Signs of Perilous Times” category.

By guest blogger Whitney Smith

When I searched for “financial scandal,” Google gave me over 12 million results! Financial honesty is obviously no longer the standard practice today. Let’s focus on the second aspect of 2 Timothy 3:2: “For men will be…lovers of money.”

No doubt the Bible could be referring to the times we are presently living in when it says that men will become lovers of money in end times. With the devastating schemes of Bernie Madoff and the recent insider trading arrest of Raj Rajaratnam, the effects of greed for money have once again come into the public eye.

The love of money can lead to all kinds of evil...

Proverbs 1:19 says, “So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners.” Those who are greedy for wealth are often consumed with developing ideas and schemes to get rich quick that hurt others and themselves.

Christians are not immune. The apostle Paul warned, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). A “root of all kinds of evil” is quite a strong statement. Paul is saying that the desires for gain are so strong that some abandon their calling to the truth in search of more money. And eventually, the search for money leaves many with great sorrows.

Money is not the source of all happiness. We should focus on the things of God, our relationship with Him and our relationships with our family. As Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

God teaches us how to be truly happy and how money can be used beneficially if we are wise. To learn more about how to successfully handle money, read Managing Your Finances.

God gives us the direction we need during times of financial trouble and the ever-increasing greed in the world.

To see the other articles in this series on signs of the perilous end times, see the “Signs of Perilous Times” category.

By guest blogger Whitney Smith

The apostle Paul warned Timothy of 19 conditions of the human heart that will signal the last days of human rule. His list in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 depicts a time period when men will commit such unrighteous acts that their character will be in complete defiance of God’s way.

Today let’s focus on the first phrase, “for men will be lovers of themselves” (verse 2). It identifies a mind-set that is rampant throughout the world today.

Being a lover of self is quite simply stated as being selfish. Selfishness can be seen in almost every area of life as people turn from having a genuine outgoing concern for others to becoming overly involved in their personal issues. What truly motivates people to commit acts of theft or adultery? The desire to gratify self.

Narcissism isn't just for the stars any more...

Selfishness is harbored inside those who focus on their own needs and attempt to find ways to gratify their own desires. The headlines about the sexual affairs of famous people and survey results showing increasing narcissism clearly indicate that selfishness is everywhere.

To avoid letting selfishness rub off on us, we must first recognize that it is constantly present around us. Only then can we direct our thinking away from this mind-set in order to live God’s way.

The complete reversal of a selfish mind would be to incorporate selflessness into our thinking. James 1:27 says, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” This involves looking out for others and recognizing their needs.

Paul makes very clear which mind-set wins in the end—not selfishness, but selfless love. We are to be lovers of God and lovers of others, not solely focused on loving ourselves (Matthew 22:37-38). See “Love: the Ground From Which Spiritual Fruit Springs” for more about this antidote to selfishness.