2 Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
I once read an acronym “JOY” to describe what the believer’s priorities should be: Jesus, Others, You. Priorities based on this acronym will result in “joy” in the Christian’s heart! It used to be that way once upon a time. One only needs to read history books to find out what communities would do when someone’s barn burned to the ground. Everyone would set aside their own chores to help build a new barn for their neighbor. It is a practice that is still done in the Amish communities. Not that I approve of their doctrine, but I applaud their moral compass. They have managed to keep the world out of their daily lives.
The world does not have this desire any longer. They love themselves first and their thoughts are all about being self absorbed. We can see this evidence in the decline of church attendance and the moral decay of believers. But are we taught this in God’s word? No! In fact, quite the oppositie. The bible says:
We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:19–21)
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt. 22:36–40)
We are taught that our goal is to love God first – it’s not to be our goal to love ourselves.
The world’s idea of self love revolves around doing anything that makes one feel good and look appealing to others. People take “selfies” and post them online for the world to see. Who truly cares? They go to the gym so they can have the best built body. They get plastic surgery, tattoos, piercings – all so others notice them. However, that is not what the Bible teaches us.
Is it any wonder that it is one of the signs of the end times? It is the first sign mentioned in 2 Tim. 3:2! We are known as the “me generation” and it is very evident in today’s world.
If you happen to be reading this and are not saved, it is no coincidence. God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!