2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
2 Timothy 3:2-5, ESV
Paul begins this portion of his letter to Timothy by giving him a warning. The warning shows how the character of man will be in the last days and advice to avoid such people. I would also add that we should avoid being those people.
But how do we avoid becoming the very thing we are trying to avoid?
10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.
2 Timothy 3:10-11, ESV
It is extremely important who we allow to have influence in our lives. If we are spending any amount of time with someone, they have influence. Paul had great impact on young Timothy. He was on the right path for sure. But his journey didn’t begin when he met Paul. No, it began at a much earlier age in his home. Foundations of faith and ministry begin in the home.
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom[a] you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14-15, ESV
Take advantage of the time you have with those in your household. Don’t delay or procrastinate… make a plan now. Time is non-refundable. If you don’t have children in your home, then perhaps you can be a mentor as Paul was to Timothy. We all have opportunities to help the next generation build a faith foundation.