Glow Devotional: Seeking the Truth
2 Timothy 3:1-8 ESV
3 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions,7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.
Seeking The Truth
When reading these words from Paul to Timothy, I couldn't help but notice the warning to those seeking Christ. Paul gives us a complete list of what to stay away from. Think of these qualities as "red flags" for not only what to stay away from in this world, but also to identify and sanctify within ourselves. We don't want to be "burdened with sins" and "led away by various passions." It is God's will for EVERYONE to come to the knowledge of the TRUTH.
It is true that we never "arrive" and there is always more to learn and understand. But, I believe Paul is saying that these women and men are just always searching, reading, and learning, but never truly understanding and feeling the truth of who God is and our true purpose. Not really grasping His love and perfect plan for us. Not truly surrendering their life or understanding that His plans are not our plans and thoughts are not ours. I think these are also the type of people who try to take matters into their own hands and don't let the Holy Spirit's voice lead them. Thankfully, we don't have to live like that because we have the guide of God's Word.
Dear Lord,
I pray that you will refine me. Take away any evil desire in me and cleanse me. I do not want to be a gullible woman. I want to build my life upon your love and truth. I want to put my passion into the love I have for you and obey your commandments. Please help me to arrive at the knowledge of the truth. I want to have a firm understanding of your truth. I want to live according to your truth and your ways, not the world's ways. Mature my faith, and help me to rise above my flesh’s desires. I know that you are always enough and love me more than anyone in this world ever can.