Why

Why are people so at war with each other? So much animosity. There is a real sense of distrust amongst some of the closest relationships. What has happened? Why are families at each others throat at such a vicious level? Workers hate their boss, the boss can’t stand the worker. Why? The fact that the word ‘hate’ is thrown around so easily, should be astounding. Why do people have hate in their heart at all? There seems to be many more hidden agendas, relationally, as well. Why? Have you seen the rise in attitude when you address someone nicely? Where did the cordiality go? Chivalry, kindness, and decency departed stage left a while ago. Why? So much hostility. Why?

First, let’s stop making the excuse that its always been this way. Secondly, let’s remember we are talking about a world wide phenomenon, not just in my neck of the woods. Third, as an American, serving in America, my perspective is more shock than someone in Indonesia. Our society has had its fair share of trouble, but we are in the brink of total destruction on a molecular level in relationships. The over-all society has it’s up’s and down’s, but usually not every day on every corner, and in churches. 

Why? That’s the question. I’m not interested in ‘what’, or ‘how’ because I know those. The World wants to focus on ‘what’ it is, which is always to blame. The world also wants to focus on ‘how’, so that they can ‘fix’ it with a program. No thank you. I want to know ‘why’. Why?

The Lord has impressed upon me an answer for this, specifically in relation to the surprising uptick in both negative attitudes and actions, within personal relationships (or lack thereof). The focus He has given me is in 2 Timothy 3.1-5. At the church I pastor, we will begin a series shortly talking about this very passage in detail. For what the Lord impressed upon me for now, let’s read just the content, then I will make some remarks. 

“This know 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 lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3.1-5)

Did you notice that the entire list is relational? Yes, relational. The whole volume of negativity is about one person to another or to a group. This goes to show you that relationships are a top shelf priority. In fact, according to Jesus, it is the second shelf from the top. That’s right, you got it, it is the second great commandment— “love your neighbor as yourself”. 

Also notice that the list has been going on for quite some time. As a matter of fact, ever since the first family. We have always had these issues within humanity since the fall. What is different is the surprising exponential escalation of these items. 

Note also, that the list seems to begin with someone being selfishly unaware of others— “lovers of their own selves”. Tell me you haven’t noticed that around you on the daily?! People are so self focused that they just naturally ignore those around them. People are more concerned with themselves and how life effects them, rather than seeing others as valuable and worthy of some personal sacrifice. When we allow for that, then the covetousness, loud mouth boasting, etc seems to come rather natural. 

To answer the original question… Why? I see the answer here in this passage. We are living in the last days. Days. The word indicates a shorter measurement of time left, doesn’t it? This is a sign for us to know that there isn’t much time left here on Earth for us to do the Master’s will. I desperately want to please Him and I want to shine for Him in this world. What a better time could there be to shine than when it is most dark?

I know it’s tough. Hang in there, we are almost done. Know that you have at least one friend who prays for you and loves you… me. More importantly, there is someone else eagerly waiting to see you… Jesus. It’s not much longer and we’ll be home. 

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 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.” (2 Timothy 4.6-8)