A Day-by-day devotional

April 25, 2023

Self-love

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 34-41

Scripture of the Day: 2 Timothy 3:1-7

In the rather assiduous, fast-tracked life that we live in, we often need to take a time to breathe. We should not forget the importance of what these days go by the name ‘self-love’. Self-love has come to mean taking time for one’s self, as well as taking a break from the world and its tedious tasks. It is regarded as a means to care for one’s mental health and disposition. This kind of care for one’s self is good. With the stress that everyday life brings – at home, at school or work, one definitely needs a time out.

Nonetheless, the bible talks about a kind of self-love that is not at all good. This love for self encompasses selfishness which would be evident in the last days. It would result to many unpleasant things, but to summarize, Paul puts it this way: people will be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:4).

The last days are evil times. The evil that would take place during that time is of an even greater magnitude than what we are already experiencing now. If you still aren’t realizing how evil this world has become compared to the last 15, 20 years, you have to stay a bit and chew on that statement.

Many deceivers and false teachers will arise, twisting the truths of Scripture with great subtlety as to hide the deception. What is evil will be taken as something godly, something to be embraced. There will be a rampant call to widening one’s perspectives, not having a narrow mind but a huge understanding. This would eventually lead to believers to abandon Jesus, oftentimes, with or without realizing it.

For this reason, we need to be more watchful than ever before. We need to be concerned about what is being taught in our churches. We should double-check what we hear and not just follow the flow and receive everything that is served on our plate. We have to match everything with what the Bible actually says. The Word of God should have the authority, not man’s teachings, interpretation or doctrines.

It would be times filled with counterfeit, deception and treachery. Darkness will appear as though light. Lies will be accepted as truth. Evil will be glorified as good.

Listen. Watch. Read. Pray. Obey.

It is alright to be different. It is alright to be the odd one out. Real self-love is being watchful for your soul.

Reflection: The danger of falling into what Paul listed as events that would take place in the last days is not impossible. How do you arm yourself and watch out for possible traps?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, let me not fall into wanting and loving pleasure more than you. Guard my heart and equip me with the ability to discern. Amen.