Paul wrote in 2 Timothy chapter 3:
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
This is quite of list of those people who would be classified as vessels of dishonor. Paul warns us that there will be an increase of these various classifications of people and we should prepare for the times ahead. The times will be difficult but not impossible to deal with and we must prepare ourselves in order that we are able to handle these times in a GODLY manner rather than a fleshly response.
It will take FATHER’S wisdom and understanding to navigate through these perilous times but FATHER knew this when HE formed each of us in the womb at this point in history. Out of Love for mankind HE has and is raising up HIS remnant to be a standard of Truth for these last days. Only by walking Christ-like in their presence will these men and women be convicted of their lawlessness. I believe it is imperative we align our thoughts and intents with FATHER’S.
There is an old saying “You become like the company you keep.” I have seen this play out time and time again throughout the years and it is important to be careful in the selection of friends and relationships. You are not looking for perfection, simply compatibility. Those who share common moral values and will not ask you to compromise yours make for great friends.
One test of a relationship is after you have spent time with a person or a couple, do you feel a sense of joy or are you drained? Friendship grows as both parties give into the relationship rather than one always being in need. Those who are in need require ministry and will draw from others consistently. They will look for ways to extract resources no matter what form those resources take. This differs from fellowship where both parties provide meaningful interaction to the other and they both want to be a blessing and give into the relationship.
Those whom Paul mentions are lovers of self, selfish, self-absorbed, and will suck the life out of anyone who will allow it. They are known as takers rather than givers and Paul warns us to turn away from such people, avoid them, or stay clear. Light has no fellowship with darkness and we should be cautious in these encounters except when FATHER sends you to such people to minister HIS Word specifically to them. Often this Word is for reproof and correction, It is not given to exalt one’s self but out of necessity for the recipient.
What is on the other side of the perilous times? It is all about restoration of mankind. We are urged to become “that the man of God who is complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work”. The result of our preparation is to do good work rather than sitting around in a passive state. Those people in Paul’s list are the ones who will benefit from the remnant’s willingness to:
10 Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;
12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. (Colossians 1)
We must turn away from the path of those who are lawless and be a standard of Truth. When their eyes are opened, they will see their wicked ways and repent so that they can be reconciled to FATHER through Jesus Christ Who is our Example. Only those who are mature in Christ will be used by FATHER is such perilous times whereas others will simply watch the external events unfold. Which group will you be in?