“Understand that the last days will be dangerous times. People will be selfish and love money. They will be the kind of people who brag and who are proud. They will slander others, and they will be disobedient to their parents. They will be ungrateful, unholy, unloving, contrary, and critical. They will be without self-control and brutal, and they won’t love what is good. They will be people who are disloyal, reckless, and conceited. They will love pleasure instead of loving God. They will look like they are religious but deny God’s power. Avoid people like this.”1 Timothy 3:1-5 (CEB) This passage is not talking about sinners, it’s talking about people who pretend to be believers. Avoid them! We need a fellowship filter. 1 Corinthians 15:3 (NIV) says “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” This doesn’t require much commentary. Just let the Word and Spirit do its work. Father help me walk in love toward sinners and fakers alike and keep me safe from their polluting attitudes and behaviors. Keep me in the fellowship of the faithful.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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