God defines you!

On Facebook we can follow one another’s travels when we go on luxurious holidays and read slogans like; “In a world where you can be whatever you want… be kind!” and "Follow your dreams." On other platforms we find Influencers launching pay-to-follow private accounts, and much more nudity and self-focus than warranted. These platforms encourage the thinking that beauty, success, power and possessions are ideals for which all people should aim, and that suffering ought to be avoided at all costs. Therefore, 2 Timothy chapter 3 seems as relevant today as it was when Paul wrote it.

He wrote “Mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people”. This is good advice.

As Christians we are called to reject the world’s values. Instead we ought to live our lives in accordance with Christ’s teaching and love. Our identity is in him. We have “nothing” to prove to anyone. We are set free from a life dominated by self-focus. We are free to receive and be esteemed in the love of God!

As you look at Chapter 3 this week, may these scriptures make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. May they encourage you to live out your true identity in him and be equipped for every good work as a servant of God.

God be with you.

Reverend Tanya.   
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