If we are in fact
living in the “time of the end”, what will humanity be like? How will they act?
What will be the characteristics
and behavior of people living in the days just prior to the second coming of
Christ?
You can get a snap shot of expected
human behavior during this period that will be characterized by Godlessness at
2 Timothy 3:1-5. The apostle Paul writes... 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 them.
Paul then goes on to list 20
personality traits that would characterize ungodly people. Have you observed
some of these characteristics in those living in your community? Consider what
has been said in recent times about the people of today.
“Lovers of
themselves.” (2
Timothy 3:2) People are insistent\ on doing their own thing as never before.
They are becoming gods unto themselves, and expect to be treated as
such.—Financial Times, [newspaper], England.
“Lovers of money.”
(2
Timothy 3:2) The ego of materialism has in recent times overpowered the spirit
of modesty. Unless you are seen as rich in society your life is not worth
living.—Jakarta Post, [newspaper], Indonesia.
“Disobedient to
parents.” (2
Timothy 3:2) Parents are puzzled to find their 4-year-old ordering them around like
he’s [French King] Louis XIV or their 8-year-old screaming... I hate
you!—American Educator Magazine, United States.
“Disloyal.” (2 Timothy 3:2)
The vastly increased willingness of men to leave behind partners and children constitutes
perhaps the single greatest change in moral values during the past 40
years.—Wilson Quarterly- Magazine, United States.
“Having no natural
affection.” (2
Timothy 3:3) Family violence is the dominant factor in the everyday life of communities
around the world.—Journal of the American Medical Association Magazine, United
States.
“Without
self-control.” (2
Timothy 3:3) Many stories that occur on the newspaper’s front page every
morning reflect minds lacking self control, moral fiber and mercy towards their
fellow human beings and even themselves. . . . If our society continues to
favor aggression the way it is now, our society will soon enter
a phase of moral annihilation.—Bangkok Post, [newspaper], Thailand.
“Fierce.” (2 Timothy 3:3)
Irrational anger and uncontrolled rage are seen on the road, in abuse within
families and in the apparently gratuitous and unnecessary violence which often
accompanies crime. Violence is experienced as random and unpredictable and
people are left feeling disconnected and
vulnerable.—Business Day, [newspaper], South Africa.
“Lovers of
pleasures rather than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:4) Sexual liberation has
become a moral crusade, in which Christian morality is the enemy.— Boundless,
an Internet magazine.
“Having a form of
godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5) A former prostitute in the
Netherlands acknowledged that opposition to legalization [of
prostitution] comes largely from religious groups. She paused, then
said with a grin that when she was a prostitute, several [religious] leaders and ministers
were among her regular clients. Prostitutes always say their best clients are
from the religious community, she laughed.— National Catholic Reporter,
[newspaper], United States.
According to God’s Word... the “End
of the Age” will be a time when humanity is at its worst.
