Today’s Scripture: 2 Timothy 3
You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. – 1 Corinthians 7:23
If you heed a warning sign, you can usually save yourself a lot of trouble. For instance, when the little red light flickers on the dashboard of your car, indicating that the engine is low on oil, you can save yourself a lot of trouble if you add some oil.
What are the danger signs that tell you you’re not living a holy life and that you’re slipping off the straight and narrow path onto the broad road that leads to destruction?
One of these danger signs is set forth by the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3, where he speaks of people who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Now let me state right up front that God does not frown on His people enjoying a little pleasure. Of course not. But here are people who love pleasure more than they love God. You’ve probably seen them. They’re more interested in talking about sports or some motion picture they’ve seen recently than they are about spiritual things. They may even show signs of boredom when the Word is taught.
The apostle Paul, in that same chapter, gives another sign of moving away from a life of holiness. He speaks of people who are “lovers of self.” The burning issue of their lives becomes what is best for them rather than what is best for the work of Christ and His Great Commission. Paul described them as people whose god is their belly and whose glory is in their shame.
Do you recognize any of these warning signs in your own life? If so, you can save yourself some trouble if you face up to it, repent, and get back on track.
Prayer
Lord, when my thoughts and attitudes would lead me off the track of holy living, lead me back to Your Word and renew my mind. Amen.
To Ponder
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
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