a lover's checklist . . .

Oh, I know. When we say 'lover" we are suddenly in Hollywood, or at least at the theater watching its version. But I am thinking about another definition, one I want to use as a checklist for my life today.

That 'other' definition is listed by Paul in his instructions to Tim (2 T 3:1-7). He's talking, a lot, about a LOVE, but of all the wrong things.

-LOVERS of themselves
-LOVERS of money
-boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy
-without LOVE, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal
-not LOVERS of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited,
-LOVERS of pleasure (reminds me of the thorns in the Parable of the Sower)
-rather than LOVERS of God

Then he sums it up:

lack of love = having a form of godliness but denying its power.

Whoa.

I love how Paul always discusses the pros and cons, giving me lists to check.
The pros are listed earlier on how LOVE is to be lived.

-flee the evil desires of youth (just the evil ones and not the good ones)
-pursue righteousness, faith, LOVE and peace along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
-Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
-And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

Why do we LOVE?
-Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
-and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do His will.
-But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. (2T 2:22-3:1)

Seems to me that in all this, Paul is saying to LOVE -- love God, love your fellow man.
Sounds like a good check list to work on today.