Is the world getting better?

Paul will say it doesn’t.

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3 v 1-5)

Paul lists 19 characteristics that will define people as the world progresses and as we approach the last days

This isn’t a random list – it’s a carefully constructed portrait of humanity when it abandons godly principles. Notice how it begins and ends with misplaced love: loving self and pleasure instead of God.

Perhaps most striking is Paul’s final observation: these people will have “a form of godliness but denying its power.” This describes religious activity without genuine transformation – going through the motions while remaining unchanged at heart.

Paul’s purpose isn’t to create fear but to equip Timothy (and us) with discernment. By recognising these patterns, believers can avoid being influenced by such people and instead pursue authentic faith that produces genuine character change.

The passage serves as both a warning and a mirror, challenging us to examine our own hearts and ensure we’re not displaying these very characteristics ourselves. In times when moral boundaries seem increasingly blurred, Paul’s words remind us of the importance of anchoring our lives in timeless biblical principles rather than cultural trends.

The world isn’t getting better morally so the responsibility for sharing the gospel is even more important.