Admonition of Paul..In the Last Days Perilous times Will Come!

Paul's Admonition is recorded in 2 Timothy 3:1-4.

 1 This know also, that in the ^alast days perilous ^btimes shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, ^acovetous, boasters, ^bproud, blasphemers, ^cdisobedient to parents, ^dunthankful, unholy,

3 Without ^anatural ^baffection, ^ctrucebreakers, ^dfalse accusers, ^eincontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 ^aTraitors, ^bheady, ^chighminded, lovers of ^dpleasures more than lovers of God;.  



In observing today's world, it's striking how Paul's warnings about the end times resonate so deeply. Here's a reflection on the attributes he cautioned against Self-Centeredness: Placing one's desires above others.

1. Greed: An insatiable longing for material gains.
2. Arrogance: Flaunting achievements or possessions.
3. Vanity: Holding oneself in overly high esteem.
4. Irreverence: Speaking against the sacred.
5. Defiance: Rejecting parental guidance.
6. Ingratitude: A lack of appreciation for blessings.
7. Impiety: Lacking moral sanctity.
8. Lack of Empathy: Missing genuine, innate care for others.
9. Unreliable: Unable to uphold agreements or promises.
10. Deceivers: Making false allegations.
11. Lack of Self-Control: Unable to restrain impulses.
12. Aggression: Quick to hostility.
13. Contempt for Virtue: Looking down on the righteous.
14. Betrayal: Turning against allies or friends.
15. Impulsiveness: Acting without careful consideration.
16. Conceit: Holding a sense of superiority.
17. Pleasure Seeking: Valuing indulgence over spiritual devotion.

These characteristics provide insight into human behavior and remind us of the values we should strive against embodying.

Reflecting on this list is deeply humbling. I, too, see parts of myself in these warnings. There have been moments when I've been selfish, displayed pride, or sought validation. And while I sometimes lament my children's defiance, I recall times when I was just as disobedient towards my own parents.

Haven't we all, at some point, overlooked expressing gratitude to God for His unwavering love? Or perhaps, in the realm of affection, prioritized those who offer us tangible rewards over our genuine loved ones? Have we kept the sanctity of the Sabbath, not just in the eyes of the world but when we're in the privacy of our homes with our families?

Paul's foresight is a blessing. He didn't just alert us about external dangers but also highlighted the internal battles we'd face. Often, we unintentionally align with adversarial forces, sidelining the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom we pledged allegiance to during our premortal existence.

I firmly believe that God continues to watch over us. He sends guidance through His prophets, leaders, and the gentle nudges of the Spirit. To truly hear these divine messages, we must humble ourselves, surrender our will to God, and let Him steer our journey.

The onset of the coronavirus certainly feels reminiscent of the challenging times prophesied for the last few days. Such trials are ways in which our Heavenly Father draws us closer to Him, reminding us of our dependency on His grace. In these turbulent times, I find solace in the belief that if we remain steadfast in our faith, we will be sheltered by His protective embrace. Our bond with Him obligates mutual commitment: we to Him and He to us. And if, during our earthly journey, we face the end due to the virus or any other circumstance, it is comforting to know that a loving embrace from our Heavenly Father awaits. Our primary mission remains to stand firm in our faith. Echoing the sentiments of Paul, I'd like to reiterate:

2 Timothy 4: 7 -  8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Paul, once known as Saul, is a testament to the transformative power of faith. Before his conversion on the road to Damascus, he persecuted early Christians. But once he encountered the risen Christ, his life was irrevocably changed. From a persecutor, he became one of the most passionate apostles of Jesus Christ, traveling tirelessly across nations, facing innumerable challenges to spread the Gospel. His epistles, found in the New Testament, are rich with doctrine, guidance, and a deep love for the Savior. His writings remain a vital source of Christian theology and pastoral advice. Through his journey, Paul exemplifies Christ's boundless mercy and redemptive power.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is at the center of all Christian beliefs. He was born of the Virgin Mary, lived sinless, and performed countless miracles. His teachings emphasize love, compassion, forgiveness, and sacrifice. His atoning sacrifice on the cross and triumphant resurrection are the cornerstones of the Christian faith, promising salvation and eternal life for all who believe and follow Him. His life and teachings are a beacon of hope, guiding millions across the globe. His unending love, as demonstrated by His willingness to sacrifice Himself for humanity, serves as an eternal testament to His divine mission.

In combining their stories, Paul’s transformation and commitment to Christ's teachings symbolize the transformative power of Jesus. Their lives call on us to live with love, faith, and dedication, no matter our adversities.

My heart overflows with love for my Savior, and I deeply admire Paul, undeniably one of the most profound missionaries in history. I also bear testimony that, even in these challenging times, we are not alone. Three remarkable missionaries, the 3 Nephites, were blessed with the unique privilege of not facing death. They continue to be a beacon of hope and miracles in the mission field.

I eagerly await the day when I can stand before our Savior and express my gratitude. I also hope to meet Paul and convey my heartfelt thanks for his wisdom and exemplary life. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and may God's blessings be upon you!