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When Alignment Is Lost

Saturday, August 22

2 Timothy 3:1–2 (ESV)

“But understand this, that 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,”

Devotion

Paul’s words to Timothy feel remarkably relevant to the world we are living in today. When we look around, we see many of these attitudes becoming increasingly normalized, self-centeredness, materialism, pride, rebellion, ingratitude, and a disregard for holiness. What Paul described as the character of people in the “last days” is not merely something happening around us; if we are not intentional, these same attitudes can begin taking root within us.

That is why this Scripture should cause us to pause and examine our own hearts.

It is easy to point out what is wrong with the culture, but the greater question is: Have we allowed any of these attitudes to become acceptable in our own lives and homes?

Our children are growing up in a world that constantly disciples them. Culture, social media, entertainment, friends, and countless voices are shaping their values every day. If we are not intentionally discipling them in the ways of the Lord, something else will disciple them.

And the truth is, we cannot raise children in alignment with God while living out of alignment with Him ourselves.

In his message on Sunday, Pastor Franklin spoke about the importance of correcting and realigning where we have lost alignment. That word is especially important for our homes. Sometimes we don't need a complete overhaul; we need to identify the areas that have slowly drifted and bring them back into alignment with God's Word.

Maybe prayer has become inconsistent.

Maybe God's Word has been pushed to the side.

Maybe we have tolerated attitudes in ourselves that we would correct in our children.

Maybe our homes have become more influenced by culture than by Christ.

Maybe we have become so busy providing for our families that we have neglected to spiritually lead them.

Alignment requires intentionality.

We must regularly ask: Does the way we live, speak, parent, spend, respond, and prioritize reflect the Lord we claim to serve?

Joshua declared, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). That was a decision of intentional alignment. Joshua understood that the direction of his household could not be left to chance.

Today, let us make that same decision.

Let us dedicate our homes to the Lord again. Let us correct what has drifted. Let us realign our priorities with God's Word. Let us model humility, gratitude, holiness, generosity, obedience, and love for God before our children. We cannot control every influence our children will encounter, but we can determine what is cultivated within the walls of our homes.

Don't simply identify the spirit of the age—guard your heart and your home against it.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I give You every area of my life that is out of alignment and has drifted away from You. You knew before I even asked, so there is nothing hidden before Your eyes. I ask for Your help to get back on track. I also willingly give You my family and my household to be brought under Your Lordship. As for us, we shall serve the Lord. Teach us Your ways and lead us in a plain path because we know Your outcome will always lead to life. Beset us before and behind. Lay Your hand of authority upon us so that nothing comes in or goes out without Your authorization. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Alignment is intentional, and so is freedom. Now that you have prayed, follow His Word and His voice to turn away and to let go of the things that separate you from Him. One by one, every step of obedience you take is an effort to move closer toward Him.

Resources
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