A Year's-end Survey

Hello bloggers! With the wonderful Christmas season comes a variety of things: delight over holiday decorations, extra-delicious goodies to indulge in, a feeling of warmth and good-will toward family and friends. On the other hand, this season often brings out the worst in people because of: stressful family situations, stressful work situations, stressful shopping because of long lines and busy stores, frazzled nerves and snappy retorts to those unfortunate enough to be in the vicinity. Drivers seem to be putting on their worst driving habits and customers in the stores appear selfish and rude. What in the world is happening? This is supposed to be the season of Joy, Peace and Love, right?

Today Chris is on the way to see his sweet Michele so I (Katrinka) am taking up the blog for today. I hope you will read 2 Timothy 3:1-4. This is a short little passage but full of the sort of things we see around us in this time of year, and actually, always. As time has moved on, it seems that sin and its fruits mushroom in our world. The beauty of Christianity (true Christians living lives to please God) shines in the darkness for sure, but it is also true that the darkness is thick and difficult to penetrate. This passage from the apostle Paul puts a spotlight on some of the awful characteristics that sin produces in our lives.

"This we know that in the last days perilous times shall come..."  (v. 1)
Immediately the writer, Paul, makes it plain that troublesome, dangerous times will surround true Christians, and that the times will grow increasingly worse! The fruits of sin have been around since the Garden of Eden, but they continue to multiply and increase strength in this old world. I saw a "funny" Christmas card the other day that actually spoke volumes. It was Santa looking over his list of who's naughty and nice. He was saying, "This is getting easier all the time because there is nothing 'naughty' anymore!!"  Isn't that true? Morals and the perception of right and wrong is increasingly becoming blurred into one big "everything goes" mentality. Being politically correct means never saying that anything anyone does is wrong, for the most part.

Paul goes ahead in the next few verses to list the character traits people will have in their lives which will cause times to be troublesome. When we read the list it speaks like something out of today. Usually we read this and think: "Wow! What awful people these are!" But, instead of pointing the finger at others, let's each one think about ourselves and see if the ugly shoe fits. Only when we recognize our own faults and sins can we even begin to ask God for help in changing ourselves to be more to His liking.

A Survey of My Attidues and Actions

Am I self-centered?

Am I jealous of things others have, wishing they were mine instead?

Do I brag about my own things and accomplishments, proud that I am so much better than someone else?

What about the way I talk? Do I use God's name regularly in vulgar ways that are not praise or prayer to Him?

Hey kids, do you just ignore what your parents say and do your own thing without respect for their instructions and advice? Adults, do we still show respect and care for our parents?

Am I one who just takes it for granted when I receive my necessities of life, special gifts, help and encouragement from God and others people? Do I think that getting is just normal?

Am I unholy? Do I "live like the Devil" and still think I am a "Christian?" What do I listen to, think about, watch on t.v., enjoy doing?

Am I one who is insensitive -- numbed to caring about others and their needs? Is my heart hard as a rock?

Am I hard to get along with? Do I push my opinions so hard that I break up a peaceful atmosphere by causing controversy when I get the chance?

Am I overbearing, quick to judge and accuse others, fiercely lashing out at others in the case of disagreement?

Do I look down my nose and laugh behind their backs at people who are "goodie-goodies"? (That is my own assessment, of course, not necessarily true at all...)

Am I quick to turn against someone, or a cause I have upheld, because it is not popular? Do I become a traitor?

Am I out of touch with my own humanity and flaws? Do I esteem my own opinion above all? Am I stuck up?

Do I put making myself happy, comfortable, rich and well thought of above doing what I know God wants me to do and be?

Do I claim to be a believer in God and a faithful Christian, but actually just go through the motions on Sundays and other formal worship occasions? Is my life empty of the fruits of the Spirit throughout the normal week?

Am I someone who influences others to do ungodly things, or watch immoral programs, or violate their conscience in other ways?

Do I attend worship services, read the Bible now and then, maybe even regularly, but never find true, powerful conviction in my heart that Judgment Day is coming and that my life must be truly guided by God's will?

Oh, dear Lord, help  me to look inward and honestly evaluate my life before You. Please be merciful to me, a sinner, and help me to be honest with myself. I pray that any of these terrible characteristics that I find there will be overcome by your Grace and mercy. Please forgive me and make me clean and pure in your sight. And please, dear Lord, help me to keep myself purer as the days go by. I thank you with all my heart! In Jesus' blessed name I ask it. Amen