The Apostle Paul sent a letter to his friend Timothy, explaining that we live in a cold, hard world: “In the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, . . . without self-control, brutal, not loving good” (2 Timothy 3:1–3).

Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison. He was locked away for telling people about how Jesus Christ can forgive us and change our evil ways. Paul looked around and saw people being selfish and cruel everywhere.

Maybe you look around and see people living like that, too. It can be discouraging.

But even in a dark prison, Paul was confident and encouraged to keep living for God and sharing the good news about Jesus. He knew how we’re supposed to live. God didn’t leave us to fend for ourselves in the cold, but he gave us the Bible: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Talk It Over

Does Paul’s description of “times of difficulty” remind you of our world today (2 Timothy 3:1–3)? What makes you think that?

In contrast to Paul’s description of the world’s ways, how are followers of Jesus supposed to live? List some specific ways that your family can shine a light in your neighborhood.

Hey Kids!

Buddy Davis here. No matter how tough things seem in our world, Jesus called us to shine like a bright light. God is pleased when we follow his Word and share about Jesus the Savior!