Boasters

246 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, We are looking at these strength sapping influences and behaviors that will plague the church until our Lord returns. Today, let's look at men becoming boasters. The word means “vagrancy.” What in the world has vagrancy got to do with boasting? Well, what is a vagrant? It is someone who manages to exist without being productive. Let that sink in for a while. Imagine a church that is overly influenced by such “boasters!” A church that exists, but is not accomplishing anything of eternal value! A church that is all talk but no action! All show no go! This church may brag about all sorts of impressive things, but in reality is nothing but a place where people come once a week just to feel good about themselves. This church could be compared to the church at Laodicea spoken of in Rev 3:14-21, "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' --and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- Strong words for such boasting churches! What should the boasting church do to correct the situation? Our Lord continues: 18 "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. “Be zealous and repent!” That's the answer! Jesus comes to the door and gently taps, as if to say, “Did I hear someone say they repent?” Here I am, ready to help you be the church God wants you to be! Open the door and let me back in to your church!” 20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also. Boasting churches will always be with us, but so is the promise of help from Jesus for those who repent!