…that in the last days will come perilous times of great distress and trouble. These are the words of Paul as he begins to inform us of what life will be like in the last days (2 Timothy 3). Many Christians say that they “feel” like we are in the last days. While I also share in that seemingly corporate “feeling”, I rely more on the Word of God to keep me in Truth. In verse 2, Paul says that people will be lovers of self and self-centered. As I was reading this, I started thinking about a popular book known as The Secret. It’s basically a self-help book that puts you (the reader) in control of everything. By simply telling the universe what you want, you can attract whatever it is that you desire. The focus is on YOU. No credit goes to God.
After that, I thought of some other clues that would indicate we are living in a self-centered world. Satanism, and the rising popularity of the New Age are two big ones. Both promise happiness at the hand of god, but the god they are talking about is YOU. Not all clues are this easy to figure out though. The “every man for himself” and “my happiness comes first” mentality has spread so much (like a disease) that we hardly even recognize that we have become a part of it.
Paul then goes on to say that people will be blasphemers. Again, I started to think about the world around me. At some point in history, it became acceptable for people to use a disgusting four letter word in the same sentence as the name of Jesus Christ. In fact, in a world where many don’t even believe in Jesus, they still find a way to use His name as an expression of fear, excitement, disgust, etc. What about the words of Kathy Griffin when she won her Emmy award? Some may think these are small issues that don’t really matter, but they would be wrong. The biggest danger is when Christian’s start to accept these things, and then go as far as to participate in them.
At the end of Paul’s description, he commands us to avoid these people. So, the choice is up to you. Are you going to accept the ways of the world, or are you going to stand for Righteousness in Christ Jesus?
I was just watching a series on the background of how “The Secret” came about yesterday! It’s definitely of the devil and nothing to do with Christ Jesus. And the devil is once again up to his tricks, inserting the name of Jesus into the whole story, but twisting it so that it becomes everything about the individual rather than God.
There are many other clues out there — I’ve seen a New Age group formed that’s into the “me” in people, teaching people to live for themselves, among other similar movements. They have some promotional video on YouTube, I believe.
Shalom!
Comment Submitted: February 10th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I agree fully, Just.
I happened to talk to a lady who wrote a book. She had written about discovering her inner self. I asked her if she didnt believe in a relationship with God. And she said, “I am one with God. God lives in me and I dont need to talk to Him or have a relationship with Him. We have merged together.”. She even told me that every man is “god”, it’s just we dont realize it.
Some of all this may seem nice to some. “Beautiful Philosophy”, some may say….But do not forget, the essence of this has it’s root in satans words and his desire: “you shall be like god”.
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. [Colossians 2:8]
Sidharth
Comment Submitted: February 10th, 2008 at 11:13 pm