Paul Instructs Timothy - Part 6

The next two characteristics on the list are boasting and pride; they go hand in glove. This type of pride is an exaggerated estimation of self in any area. It’s an attitude that lifts self up as it puts others down. Those with such an exaggerated sense of self are prone to boast about their deeds and accomplishments with the same exaggeration. Politicians come to my mind immediately, but that’s because their boasting is all over the news. The truth is that these characteristics have become more prevalent in the church since the onset of “Christian” television and the growth of megachurches. Add these traits to loving self and covetousness and you have the motivation for many false teachers joining the ranks of “Christian” leadership.

Paul next warns Timothy that blasphemy will be on the increase in the last days. Blasphemy includes showing irreverence toward God in word or action. There is no denying the loud and even angry voices of outspoken atheists in their attack on God and His word today. There is no denying that God’s name is profaned daily without repercussion in the entertainment industry, society in general and even by Christians. I cringe every time I hear the phrase “O my God.”

The next identifying sign Paul mentions is “disobedience to parents.” Again, all of these signs have been around through the years, but the continued increase of their domination in society cannot be denied. Just in my lifetime children and teens have come to embrace the idea that parents “owe” them and to be characterized more and more by attitudes of disrespect and defiance. Children are aware of their “rights” under the law and many use that understanding to intimidate and manipulate their parents. On the other hand, many parents feed that mentality by refusing to let their children suffer the consequences of sin. By undermining the authority of teachers and school administrators, they are undermining the respect their children develop for all people in authority—including themselves. This is not just a commentary on public education. I worked as the office manager in a Christian high school for years, and many parents wanted to intercede for their children rather than let them learn from their mistakes by suffering the consequences for wrongdoing.