In the Last Days Difficult Times Will Come—Lovers of Self
January 30, 2006
Dear Friends
Last week we suggested that 2 Timothy 3:1-5 was actually referring to the state of the ecclesia prior to Christ’s return. If that is the case, it makes sense to examine each of these attributes a little more closely. The first attribute is that men will be lovers of self. The Greek word is philautos meaning selfish and self-centered. One of the hallmarks of a believer in Christ is a willing selflessness or putting other’s needs ahead (or, at a minimum, on par) of our own. True believers are always asking themselves how they can help and serve others. Sadly, in the last days it appears that this important attribute will be missing in many.
This attribute comes first in the list because it is the foundation for a sinful life. If I love myself more than you, why do I care if I take your wife from you.or slander you. or hate you. or simply dismiss your needs as unimportant? What matters is that MY needs are met and MY desires are fulfilled. Self-centeredness at its core is a new religion; the religion of self. Pleasing ourselves and focusing on our own needs while ignoring those of others is our form of worship. We are the center of our own universe which swirls unceasingly around ourselves rather than God.
Self-centeredness shows itself in many ways. It shows in how we use our time. It shows in how we use our money. It shows in how we interact in the ecclesia. It shows in how we answer the call to serve. A brother once said to me that he didn’t do certain acts of service because his motivation wasn’t right. His heart wasn’t in the work. It is true that motivation is extremely important aspect of discipleship. We need to do the right things for the right reasons. However, sometimes a disciple has to do the right things simply because it is the right thing to do. We may dread doing it, but we do it anyway because our Lord has asked us to or it may be of service to our brethren. Spiritual maturity will bring about a correct and proper attitude. Until that mind is formed, we simply do that which we are asked to do because we have been asked by our Lord to do it.
People who are caught up in this sin are always asking (even if it is subconsciously); “what’s in it for me?” Others people’s needs are simply a bother. They will only put in any effort if they can get out of the situation what THEY want. “Someone else can serve on that committee, I have (fill in the blank) to do at home.” “You can’t have class at my house because I just had the carpets cleaned.” “The ecclesia needs to do this MY way or else.” Subtlety, each excuse not to serve comes back to the simple fact that if we don’t somehow benefit from this or is not met with a series of preconditions, we aren’t doing it.
We often think of Jesus giving his life for us in terms of the cross. While this is true, this is only a part of the story. Jesus was a living sacrifice. His entire life was a sacrifice of his needs and wants for those of his disciples (including us!). His sacrifice was real, not a ritual. Likewise, the true believers in Christ will follow his example, take up your cross daily and “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” This act of personal self-sacrifice is impossible to practice while also practicing philauto—love of self. The love of self is a refusal to take up our cross. It is a refusal to love our neighbor has ourselves.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34–35)
Have a great week!
