Flourishing Day 13
Our Double Edged Sword

2 Timothy 3
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.
For people will love only themselves and their money.
They will be boastful and proud,
scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful.
They will consider nothing sacred.
They will be unloving and unforgiving;
they will slander others and have no self-control.
They will be cruel and hate what is good.
They will betray their friends, be reckless,
be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.
They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.
Stay away from people like that!” Verses 1-5

I don’t know about you, but reading Paul’s warning to Timothy, which was written so long ago, caught me off guard. I felt as though I could’ve been reading something written today.

I’ve experienced some of those very examples written by Paul in my lifetime, and I bet you have too. Though written centuries ago, it’s no surprise to God that these ancient writings are the perfect description for the world we live in today.

When we know what living the Jesus life looks like, it makes it easier to realize when we’re not acting walking in the love that He calls us to. Without spending time in His word, we just can’t know what wearing Love looks like for the believer.

Every day, I aim to have as many moments with God as possible. Whether it’s on my drive to work, singing a worship song while I cook dinner, or even stepping out to my car on my lunch break to catch up on some reading and journaling, I try to make it a habit.

I can tell when I’ve been in the Word and when I haven’t. You see, when I’ve gone too long without falling on my face before the King, the way I view myself and others can shift to a dark place. The trust that I have in God dissipates without the solidity of His Word, and my worship seems lifeless.

Yet, when I’m studying Scripture on a consistent basis, I find myself craving it.
Just as I need water and food, I need time alone with my Savior.
Funny thing is, my craving for the Word is never fully satisfied, it just leaves me wanting more and more of Him.

I cannot stress to you the importance of making time to spend with your Father. The business of life isn’t going to slow down on its own. The ‘Time with God” sign will never just “light up”, it requires us to shift things around, make priorities, allow quiet time to be a little loud with life sometimes, but you know what sweet sister? It’s worth it.
God is worth it.
Every single time.

“Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

But evil people and impostors will flourish.
They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.” Verses 12-13

Being a Christian is hard; there is no denying that. If you read Paul’s story in its entirety, you would see that he suffered much as a believer, yet his view of Jesus never changed.

Paul knew that because we live in a sin-wrecked world, where nothing fits as it was intended, and because God’s wisdom goes against the very grain of culture, hardships and trials were going to come. Following Jesus is never without cost.

You see, it’s not a ‘when’ you suffer persecution rather a ‘you will’ suffer persecution. I would be lying if I told you that I didn’t face fear when it comes to the persecution that Paul talks about. But, Paul’s words serve as a reminder that the enemy is going to lose, no matter what, because I have Christ inside of me.

So bring it on. I’ve got the double-edged sword on my side.

“But as for you,
continue in what you have learned
and have firmly believed,
knowing from whom you learned it
and how from childhood you have been acquainted
with the sacred writings,
which are able to make you wise for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus.” Verses 14-15

It is so important to have our foundation built upon the solid truth and wisdom that comes from Scripture. When we have established that foundation, it allows us to dive deeper into the Father’s heart and the truth of who He is. We can open His Word every single day, and read the same scripture, yet each day receive something different through it.

Just as Paul mentioned before, we know that God says evil impostors with flourish, but he points us back to our security of a genuine, solid life built on His truth.

“All Scripture is inspired by God
and is useful to teach us what is true
and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
It corrects us when we are wrong and
teaches us to do what is right.
God uses it to prepare and equip
his people to do every good work.” Verses 16-17

Yes, the world is a messy place today, but God is prepared. He hasn’t gone anywhere. So while we recognize the evils of this world, we can press on, with the scripture in our hearts, knowing it is the single greatest weapon we will ever have.

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