Paul’s description to young Timothy of the last days is as startling as it is comprehensive. Paul wanted his young protégé to be aware of the times in which he lived so he did not miss the activity of God in his midst. Nothing could be more important than recognizing when Christ’s return is imminent.
In this verse, Paul continued to describe what the times would be like when Christ returned. People would be unloving. Sadly, as many people are growing up in broken, unloving homes today, they have never experienced love themselves, so they have no idea how to express it to others. We are seeing a society rise up that largely is unfamiliar with how to express genuine love for others. Likewise, forgiveness is increasingly rare. Many world religions and cultures exult in revenge and hatred while despising forgiveness and compassion. In a world short on love, one cannot expect to receive forgiveness.
The last days will also be characterized by a blatant lack of self-control. For unbelievers, this life is all they have, so it seems foolish to restrain from indulging in any earthly pleasure they desire. Self-control is increasingly rare. The media urges people to loosen their restraints and to brazenly grasp what they want. The world offers to help people indulge in any excess that they crave. Debts of individuals and nations escalate as people refuse to restrain themselves from obtaining whatever they covet.
People in the last days will also be characterized by being brutal and despising what is good. One can tell much about a nation by examining its popular sports and recreation. As sports become more violent, both on the field and in the stands, we see a society devoid of restraint and basic goodness.
Take time to reflectively look at society today. How closely do we resemble the one in which Christ will return?