The Lord told us in these last days we would see this, and over the years I made a mental list of attitudes and actions that prove this is true. Much of the time we like to name the big sins of abortion, homosexuality and drunk driving as those that are a depiction of the 2 Timothy 3 passage, but those are not what most believers are tempted to do, so they are safe in naming them. Modern Christianity deals more with arrogance and self will than it does with these "monster" sins we feel so free to quote, thinking they do not pertain to us.

The "big" sins of homosexuality, abortion and drunk driving are not what we are tempted to do, but we have the same mind in us that motivates the "big" sins of others. Pride comes to mind. Many young people lecture the older folks about things rather than asking questions, permeated with the dilution that they know more than those who have lived twice as long as they.

What is "this" that the Lord has told us?

2 Timothy 3
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themeselves, 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. And from such people turn away!"

We see this everyday, the arrogance can be seen in the face, lack of response and lecturing the young people do to the older folks. But notice what they lecture about....healthy food, excuses for sin and tolerance toward all things. When the younger folks are corrected they react in snapish tones, manipulation and cold shoulders to show their preponderance to need to be in control of the conversation and others. If they can demean the older folks, they are nearly assured that they will silence them.

Unfortunately this tactic has worked in most families. The older folks have given up precious ground in meaningful conversations, in fear that they will be alone without help or companionship. Might I encourage the older folks to say their mind and trust that the Lord will take care of them when they are rejected.

May I also encourage the older folks that when we are set aside and abandoned for our stands for Christ, God will bless us with others who love us and value our wisdom. We need not ignore the last phrase of the passage in 2 Timothy 3 that says "from such turn away." God does not mandate that we keep in our lives those who dishonor Him and will not listen to counsel. This passage has been a comfort to me, during this time of leanness of respect and dishonor.

God can and does provide all our needs and lifts us up as we honor His Word. I know there are many older folks who encounter the meanness mentioned in 2 Timothy 3, because we are living in the last days and God warned us to encourage us. As we see the day approaching we can expect more of this, but know that Christ is our constant companion and when it is all over, we will enter the gates of heaven with a clear conscience and a blessing from our Lord, "well done good and faithful servant."

Blessings and thanks to all those young people who are not acting like this, you are rare and treasured, for your honor and attentiveness to the wisdom of those who have lived so much longer. May the Lord give you greater and greater wisdom as you honor Him and His principles.