Weak-Willed Women (and Men Too)

Weak-willed women; that's the way the NIV says it. The various Bible translations use a variety of words to describe these women: weak-willed (NIV), gullible (NJKV), weak-minded (GW), foolish (BBE), or silly (KJV). Reading this passage today, the first thing that hit my mind, was weak-willed men too! Yes, men and women fit this description. Read the passage with me.

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, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV)

This passage is describing the characteristics of people in the last days, the end times. The attributes of humanity shall be godless, amoral, and wicked in His sight. The part that really captured my attention was the phrase "weak-willed". I confess. I am prone to self-indulgence. I am prone to be drawn away from the "right things" into the "good stuff". You know, the good stuff from man's viewpoint. The sensual indulgences that delight our eyes, ears, noses, finger-tips, and taste-buds.

Regardless of what word is used to describe the will of these women, here are some common elements to consider. First, their sin is a burden. Guilt has brought doubt onto the stage, and the person is temptation prone due to doubt regarding past sin. In other words, sin breeds sin. Another common element is the deceit of sensual indulgence. You know the sensation that goes with the indulgence. You know the taste, smell, vision, sound or feel. You can vibe to the rhythm of the wicked thing you're about to do. As the good preacher said, "I may not know your sin, but I know you know where to find it." And then, as soon as you find it and partake of it, the good feeling quickly passes and the weight of guilt sets in. Your moment of pleasure turns to guilt, heavy weight, a burden, and you're right back where you started, wishing you had chosen different.

Here's the hard part to swallow; "a weak will". When I allow sin to invade my life, I have a weak will. My flesh has conquered my will or my spirit. I know; its a major fight. It's a constant battle. It is also a matter of resolve. Think of Joseph fleeing from Potiphar's wive, "How can I do such a wicked thing, and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). Joseph was resolved not to sin against God. Joseph was committed to the right action, not tempted by the good stuff.

You can compare the verses for yourself. There are some interesting phrases in the various translations. But the bottom line: Get a will; Be convicted; Stand resolved to honor God!