As Christians in the last days

We, as Christians in the last days, are up against quite a lot.  It's not exactly in fashion to be followers of Christ and to be working to become more like Him; with media constantly mocking sacred matters, with people preaching science and technology over religion, with false prophets producing confusing new fads and "solutions" we're supposed to follow to find truth--it's easy to get lost and wonder where to turn to know what's real and what's a lie.

Thankfully, Paul promises us that the scriptures help us know how to discern between lies and truth, and how to become people "of God, perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:17).  I'm thankful to have God's words in the scriptures as a resource, support, and teacher in my life.

2 Timothy 3 begins with Paul telling us what to watch out for in this world (and what not to become ourselves!): "This know [ye] also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than loves of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Tim 3: 1-7).

Paul was right--our world is teeming with these characteristics.  And they do "creep into" our homes and they easily distract us with promises of power, prestige, and wealth.  But they can't bring true, lasting happiness.  So I never want to be one of the "silly women" who becomes deceived.  Instead I want to learn the knowledge that endures beyond this life.  I like what Elder Wirthlin said: "How foolish is he who spends his days in the pursuit of things that rust and fade away.  How wise is he who spends his days in the pursuit of eternal life."

Paul goes on to explain that through all the "persecutions" and "afflictions" he went through, the Lord delivered Him from all of them.  He warns that we will also suffer and be mocked, but that we can continue in our faith--and the scriptures will strengthen us by giving us the knowledge (TRUTH!) we need to withstand opposition from the evils of our day that he just described in verses 1-7.  

"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.   All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim 3:12-17).  

I love the scriptures and I know they teach the truths that we can count on, because they're God's truths rather than man-created theories.  Each time I read the scriptures my mind makes new connections and I know what I need to change in my life.  I feel calm and at peace when I contemplate God's words, because I know they are helping me in my own search for truth.  They give me strength to stay faithful even when the world doesn't see faith as in-vogue.  

Even when it's hard, all of us as Christians in the last days "can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [us]" (Philippians 4:13).