LOVERS

LOVERS. 2nd Timothy 3:2 The first of nineteen characteristics of people living in the perilous last days is those who are "lovers of self." These individuals display a "me first" attitude: "I am not comfortable with that." "I will see if I can fit it into my schedule." "If I have time—maybe." These common phrases indicate a narcissistic mindset that is accepted as normal by both young and older people. “I am entitled” is a frequent expression used when people want to promote themselves or believe they have complete control over their lives. Covetous people are "lovers of money." These are unsatisfied individuals whose greed controls their thoughts, business practices, and lifestyle, leading to dysfunction in nearly every part of their lives. This is probably the most powerful motivation for many people today. Many will lie, steal, cheat, or do whatever it takes to get more money than they currently have. The families of money lovers often neglect showing love and care between parents and children, and vice versa. It is a sad chapter in the lives of these people that when they grow old, very few want anything to do with them simply for who they are. Instead, they become targets for attention because others are interested in their money when they pass away. Entitlement today starts with children, who learn early in life to expect what they haven't earned. This mindset carries into adulthood, and our citizenry often believes they are owed what they want. Materialism is probably the dominant religion in this country, despite the harm it causes. People are often dissatisfied with what they have, even if they are wealthy. "Boasters" are narcissistic and ensure others are aware of their accomplishments as proof of their value to society. Their “world” revolves around a circle about three feet around them. They don't receive the praise or admiration they desire; instead, they praise themselves, bragging about their achievements and using many words to elicit some response from their audience. They feel compelled to tell others about everything they've done but often start with phrases like, "I don't like to speak of myself, but..." and then boast about their exploits to anyone willing to listen. People described as 'proud' think highly of themselves and believe they are better than others. In their own minds, they don't even believe they need God. Often, proud individuals are overbearing and ignore what others say or try to teach about grace, kindness, and humility. Arrogant and haughty people usually end up with only a small group of people who want to be around them. "Blasphemers" slander others through verbal abuse and foul language. They are abusive, irreverent, profane, loud, and insulting, taking pride in their disrespect for God, holy things, Christians, and the Bible. The word of God and divine matters become objects of their jokes and contempt. Somehow, they find satisfaction in condemning anything that criticizes them or their offensive behavior. Some use the name of God and the Lord Jesus Christ as expletives to vent their anger at someone or something. Disobedience to parents has become almost fashionable among children and teenagers today. Those who are disobedient to parents are rebellious, uncontrollable kids who have either been spoiled by parents and grandparents or have been given free rein to associate with people and things that are wicked and contrary to what they were taught. It is common for a child to tell a parent, "No, I will not." Unfortunately, even laws today are made to prevent parents from correcting their children, giving more authority to teachers and social workers than to parents. Parents have failed due to poor parenting or taking their children for granted, and disobedient kids exploit that. The term "Unthankful" describes most people who believe they deserve everything they have and think they should get even more. They seem unable to be grateful for anything that doesn't meet their expectations or demands. They lack grace, appreciation, kindness, and awareness that they owe everything they possess to the goodness of others. Many never say thank you to their mother for a good meal, much less recognize the care they have received for the well-being of a child or a husband. Most unthankful people never thank God for the food from the fullness of the earth He created. "Unholy:" Irreverence is very common when it comes to life without God. God desires people to be holy because He is holy. However, unholy people show no interest in spiritual truth; in fact, they often do the opposite, which is typical of those who do not know God. Still, many are fascinated by demons and spiritual darkness. Most believe that video games, movies, and other forms of mind control seem harmless. But young children have become captivated by demonic-inspired games, leading to widespread acceptance of murder, war, deception, and violence. They hold nothing sacred, lack piety, reverence, and integrity, and are often profane in their language and actions.