"O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it may be well with them, and with their children for ever!" (Deut.5:29)
Have you ever reached a point in your Christian life where you just wanted to "chuck it all" and live like other people live? You're sick and tired of being the one who lives responsibly and seeks to bring honor and glory to God! You are weary of explaining yourself and certain verses of the Bible, to the exact same people, over & over again, and it seems like they NEVER get it! At that moment in your life, living a godly testimony seems futile. You ask yourself, "Is it really worth it?"
People today live life as if there is no tomorrow. They throw all caution to the wind, without hesitation, and give absolutely no thought to the future consequences their choices might bring. Nor do they consider the effect it may have on those around them. The words "no fear" have left being a way to encourage someone to be adventurous and have become a way of life. Sadly, this frame of mind has crept into the spiritual realm as well, as we see God's people no longer clinging to truth and righteousness. The new motto is: NO REGARD, NO REMORSE, and NO REPENTANCE.
How else could you explain a world where teenagers (GIRLS, mind you) beat each other to a pulp and record it for later viewing pleasure? Or a world where grown men rob a bank (because they are to lazy to work) and shoot a pregnant teller, killing her unborn children. And what do we do to stop this? Do we get mad? Do we take a stand? No, we get nationally known "psychologists" to post their bail in hopes of "helping" the wrong-doer change their ways (or get good TV ratings, whichever) and we debate whether or not the murdered babies were actually "human or just a fetus" at time of death. It sickens me.
While the above mentioned acts are horrendous, they are no worse than those who claim to be "God's people" while they live just like the world. Parents letting their children run with unsaved and ungodly friends. Homes torn apart by husbands and/or wives desserting their families for selfish, and sexual sins. Drinking, smoking, drugs, even illicit affairs are no longer considered "worldly" and in some cases are even condoned and kept secret by God's people! Whoremongers, adulterers, thieves, liars, and unthankful people are EVERYWHERE, even in the church. Does this sound familiar? There's a whole list in II Timothy 3. And, sad as all this is, ... it's a sign. YES! That is exactly what I said, it's a sign! Of what you ask? THE LAST DAYS. Yipee! Hooray! Praise God! The LORD, ... MY Lord is coimg back!
So, let me encourage you who are weary of fighting the fight. Take heart, you who feel you cannot possibly take another step. Be of good cheer, you who want to "chuck it all." The Bible says,
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (I Peter 5:8-11)
As we live out the last days in Christ's army, there is no room for cowardess, no room for quitters! We must continue to reach those who will listen, and those who have never heard (and some who have heard it over & over) while there is still time. March on dear soldier! Let your motto be: NO RESERVES, NO REGRETS, and NO RETREATS!
(1 Thess. 4:15-18) "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
