There are several passages of Scripture that speak to our current situation. These passages are not necessarily prophecies as much as they assure us that evil desires are nothing new. Paul informed Timothy that “evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13 NKJV). Demar Elam expresses the reality of the situation in his statement, “Evil circles the globe while truth puts her boots on.” Evil holds drawing power due to its acceptance. Once it gains acceptance, evil picks up speed due to its willing accomplices. Listen to Paul’s description in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.
Evil steals all care for others’ wellbeing while pleasing the god of self. Whatever seems good to the eyes and pleasurable at the moment drives the willing participant to engage in his or her desires. These activities not only jade the eyes but also harden the heart. The now victim becomes so enamored by evil that he or she is unwilling to accept a worldview apart from sin. Sin rules over one as a king (John 8:34). It promises freedom but enslaves the poor soul to a life of heavy burdens.
How do we keep ourselves from this life of servitude? Paul encouraged Timothy to turn away from such people who engage in those activities (2 Timothy 3:5). He further exhorted Timothy, “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Timothy (as well as we who live today) could find strength in the Scriptures to overcome such evil desire. Notice, knowledge of the Scripture is not enough but the continuing in the things he learned sufficed. The practice of Scripture helps the reader to change the mind concerning evil desire. Jesus’ words possess the truth that brings true freedom (John 8:32). The words of Christ give life to the hearer (John 6:63) and open the eyes of those blinded by sin (John 9:39). Jesus proclaimed, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).
The acceptance of evil does not make it right or good. We have the ability to decide which life we live. We can choose to disregard the goodness found in the Lord and follow evil. We may desire to live carelessly, fulfilling the desires of the flesh. However, we can choose to forsake the evil of the world. We can change our hearts and minds through the knowledge of Jesus. We can choose to live our best lives today! The most difficult truth to accept is that we are given the ability to choose. Let us choose to honor the Lord in life and glorify Him in our death.
