Most scholars believe that we are in the last days. The Bible says a lot of things about these times, which is when Christ’s return is near. He will take believers up to be with Him, and will setup His church on Earth.
In 2 Timothy, Paul tells us what it will be like in the last days.
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT
It sounds like many people today, and not just non-believers, but some who profess the faith. It seems they love and care only about themselves, their well-being, making money, and having a lot of stuff. They are proud of what they believe to be their own accomplishments, and thereby deny anything God has done for them. They are disobedient to their parents and others in authority. They are unforgiving and vengeful when someone does them wrong. They lack self-control, blame others for their wrongs, and only seek what they think will bring them pleasure. They act religious, but do not submit to God’s authority, plan and direction for their lives.
Our children and grandchildren are growing up in a world like that. They are told by the world to “look out for number one”, and that it is good to “do whatever it takes” to get what you want. They are told that they are the “center of their own universe”, and to “if it feels good do it.”
Sit down with your kids and read 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Discuss it, and ask them if that is how others around them are behaving. Ask them if the world’s way is best, or God’s way.
Then read the below.
But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 2 Timothy 3:10-13 NLT
Timothy was blessed to have Paul as a mentor, and an example of how we as followers of Christ should live. We parents and grandparents need to be Godly examples for our kids. We need to live differently than how the world lives, and not just on Sunday mornings. Our little ones need to see us living it daily, in all situations, even when our faith causes us persecuting and suffering. Obviously we will not be perfect, so we can admit when we mess up and seek forgiveness from those we have hurt. In that way our children will see us as authentically trying to live the life that God wants us to live; a life where we are transforming daily to be more and more like Christ.
The below is Paul’s explanation of how God’s Word is the only thing that will transform us into the image of Christ, and keep us from becoming like the world.
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 NLT
