Apostasy

This is almost too weird.  I was studying from Preach my Gospel about Apostasy.  The first scripture was 2 Timony 4:3-4.  However, as I turned to it, I tripped over 2 Timothy 3 first, which was highlighted very vigorously with red in the first seven verses.  Of course, it caught my attention and I read it.  It described perfectly what a person who has defected from the teachings of their youth in the gospel looks like.  It’s almost eerie.

• Perilous times will come.  There is no doubt we are in perilous times.
• Men (and women) shall be lovers of themselves
• Covetous
• Boasters
• Proud
• Blasphemers (irreverent towards sacred things)
• Disobedient to parents
• Unthankful
• Unholy
• Without natural affection
• Trucebreakers
• False accusers
• Incontinent (I wrote in my margin: lacking self restraint)
• Fierce (hostile)
• Despisers of those that are good
• Traitors
• Heady (rude, proud and opinionated)
• Highminded (Would this be another way of say puffed up?)
• Lovers of pleasers more than lovers of God
• Having a form of godliness, but denying the power of God

That’s quite a list, and I was tempted to forego any other references and focus on these verses I tripped over.  I looked at 2 Timothy 4:3-4 that says basically that people will make up their own belief system and turn their ears away from truth.  This is called APOSTASY. 

The second scripture footnoted 2 Tim 3:1, the very scripture I “tripped over”.  Also, Helaman 13:28 is footnoted.  As I read that, I saw it in a bit of a political frame given the fact I’m still recovering from a disappointing election result.  I read from verses 27 through 30.  I see some real relationship in these verses to the leaders of our country currently.  Many in this nation look to our president as a savior.  He speaks flattering words.  I won’t quote the entire thing, but suggest you read it with your political eyes. 

I find the list of traits of an apostate very sobering.  My time of inactivity was not an apostasy but rather a weakening in spiritual strength.  However, as I have observed what appears to me to be someone apostatize, I see this list fulfilled almost to the letter.  It is most frightening to me.  I don’t know where I’m headed with this information other than to say it is a slippery slope.  Once you start shaking your fist at God because things aren’t happening as you believe you were taught they would or should happen, you are headed in this direction.  Not only is it slippery, but also it is swift!  It is shocking to witness this in loved ones whom you thought you knew so well. 

Follow the counsel of our leaders.  Do not get discouraged at life.  The Lord has a plan and we are part of that plan.  Be on the safe side of his commandments and you will enjoy the safety that comes from keeping the commandments.  This is a truth that is as plain as day to me.  I believe having eyes to see makes it so.