It’s no secret we’re living in the end times, and things are getting dark. Take a minute to read what Paul wrote to Timothy:

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”

2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV.

Do you see these characteristics in the world around you? Money-hungry, self-centered, “it’s all about me” attitudes? The horrors of violence, chaos, and rebellion spreading?

Ok. Now that you’ve looked through that lens at the world, turn it back to yourself for a moment.

Are you refusing to forgive someone, putting yourself on a pedestal, or lacking self-control when eating, spending, or gossiping?

Are you bragging about what you have or what you do? Is your heart hardened, and you’re not even thankful anymore, only wanting and expecting more? Do you tithe or spend that small portion on yourself, thinking it doesn’t really matter and you deserve to pamper yourself or splurge a little?

If you claim to be a Christian, you better act like one. The world is watching you, and one day you’re going to be accountable to God for all you’ve said and done.

Besides, how will anyone know the difference between a believer and a nonbeliever if you blend in with the world and mirror their behavior?

Oh, precious soul. You were created to shine your light in the world, to bring honor and glory to Almighty God as you lead others through the chaos of these dark times to the Light of the world, Jesus Christ.

Be careful your light doesn’t dim or burn out because you refused to be set apart and instead got lost in the crowd.

---