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LOVERS OF THEIR OWN SELVES“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.For men shall be lovers of their own selves…” — 2 Timothy 3:1–2 (KJV)The Bible does not describe the last days as confused—it describes them as self-absorbed. One of the first and clearest marks God gives is this: men shall be lovers of their own selves. That phrase does not mean healthy care or basic responsibility. It speaks of self at the center, self exalted, self trusted, and self obeyed.Modern culture celebrates what Scripture condemns. We are told, by this world, to “look within,” “believe in yourself,” and “love yourself more.” Yet God’s Word never commands self-love. It assumes it. “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it…” — Ephesians 5:29 (KJV)The problem is not that men love themselves—it is that they love themselves too much, and God too little.Jesus made the contrast unmistakably clear: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” — Matthew 16:24 (KJV) Self-love says, Protect yourself. Christ says, Deny yourself. Self-love says, Follow your heart. Christ says, Follow Me.Truth is not discovered by looking inward. The heart is not a reliable guide. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” — Jeremiah 17:9 (KJV)That is why the meme is true: self-love is not harmless. When men exalt self, they silence conviction. When self becomes lord, repentance disappears. And where repentance is absent, judgment remains.Jesus warned plainly: “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” — Luke 13:3 (KJV)The gospel does not call us to esteem ourselves—it calls us to lose ourselves for Christ’s sake. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30 (KJV)These are perilous times not because people lack love, but because they have placed love in the wrong object. Salvation is not found in self-acceptance, self-belief, or self-worth. Salvation is found in Christ alone. “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” — 2 Corinthians 4:5 (KJV)Closing ExhortationIf self is still on the throne, Christ is not. The call of Scripture is unchanged: repent, deny self, and follow Jesus Christ. Anything less is not the gospel.