“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.)" ~2 Timothy 3:1-7
I haven’t talked about it often, but that last verse sometimes scares me. The first time I heard it in a Bible study years ago, I remember feeling a deep, sinking discomfort, as if the words were aimed directly at me. (Or maybe it was just the enemy whispering lies - it definitely felt more like shame/condemnation than Spirit-led conviction.) Different translations describe these women as weak, gullible, silly, or weak-minded. They are “always studying, learning, and listening to anybody who will teach them, but never able to come to the full knowledge of the truth.”
“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.”
Other versions say:
—“Having a form of godliness but denying its power.”
— “They will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power.”
Always learning, but never arriving at the truth. Putting on a good show, yet continually giving in to sinful desires, living without the dynamic anointing of God.
Let it not be me, Jesus.
I want to walk in sincere repentance and integrity, embracing the acceptance, love, grace, wisdom, and fierce authority and power of God.
* * * * * * *
Several aspects of my life feel unfinished right now, and it’s easy to focus on what’s still undone instead of the good things currently unfolding. Waiting can feel like being stuck, but unfinished means I’m still growing. (And there’s a big difference between continually growing in faith and knowledge, moving toward deeper truth, vs. chasing new teachings and leaving myself open to deception. Studying these verses a bit today actually brought more clarity and comfort.)
A series of cross-references led me to this passage, which I want to meditate on:
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the Head over every ruler and authority.” ~Colossians 2:6-10
This post is deep and a little scattered, but the firm reminder that I am COMPLETE in Christ was exactly what I needed in this season.
I recently talked with Emily about how much I long for acceptance, how it often feels just out of reach, like something I have to earn or maintain in relationships. We talked about how that acceptance has to start from within, with loving myself and extending grace to others. #letthem But honestly, it goes deeper than that...
It begins with abiding in Christ’s love and acceptance. Leeeeaning into the truth that I am already complete — whole and enough — in Him. Right here, today. Not when I cross the finish line. Not if/when I have the devoted love of a boyfriend or husband. Not if/when a child calls me "Mom" for the first time. Not if/when I earn a PhD, land a counseling job, publish a book, or achieve my ideal body weight. Not through any certain platform, title, or role.
Yes, my life goals matter, but I don't want to feel like I'm grasping for people’s acceptance. My inner strength and foundation must be centered in Christ. (All other ground is sinking sand.) I feel this right now, and I want to refocus my heart here. Searching God's Word and seeking the direct voice of Jesus over any human teaching. Being more rooted and grounded in His love and acceptance, believing down to my very core that I am “complete through my union with Christ, who is the Head over every ruler and authority.”
"YOU are enough, so I am enough."
❤ ❤ ❤
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