Joel M Bradshaw

1But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.–2 Timothy 3

Paul wrote to Timothy about the last days. And since we are all still here over 2000 years later, we can understand that Paul wanted Timothy to understand and recognize these 5 loves. A common thread in the human condition is that these loves are usually present in communities. Avoid the first 4 and pursue the 5th.

1. THE LOVER OF SELF. This is the social media all-star. This is the follower of the heart. And unless God transforms you, this is you. This is the natural state of humankind. Travelers of the self-path by definition do not trod the Jesus-path. You cannot practice self-love and self-denial at the same time.
2. THE LOVER OF MONEY. This one easily could show up as the one who pursues success or approval most. The things of this world matter to this person more than the things of God.
3. THE LOVER OF WHAT IS NOT GOOD. This person thrives on drama, brokenness, and gossip. When difficulties arrive, this lover compares, contrasts, and uses hardship to feel better about him or herself. This is the coper, the escaper, the one with no boundaries. This one doesn’t want God glorified or for other people to enjoy success.
4. THE LOVER OF PLEASURE. This one speaks for itself. It’s the ultimate escape or pursuit for many. It’s the greatest expression of selfishness or self-love. This is a lover that is never satisfied. It’s not one who loves pleasing others as a servant or pleasing God as a worshiper.
5. THE LOVER OF GOD. This lover is defined as a contrast to 1-4 above. He loves and pursues God more than loves and pursues self. That means that he doesn’t need to find himself or follow his passions as a life goal. He also doesn’t require a personality test to direct life for him. What the Bible reveals is enough for faith and practice. She therefore doesn’t put money or success or the attagirl first in her life, but instead the being a biblical spouse or a godly friend. A servant who cares about the things of God most. He loves pleasing God most rather than pleasing self or co-dependently pleasing others. Pursuing what is good, this lover actually cares for people and maintains a soft, servant’s heart towards the people God has brought into their life.

Avoid becoming 1-4. Make it your life’s goal to be number 5. You have no hope of staying away from the first 4 without the daily work of the Holy Spirit in your life making you less like the self and more like Jesus.–JMB