Matthew 24:12-13
Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
So which came first....chaos or our choices that produce chaos?
We fall victim to our own thoughts and actions that produce chaos. When such happens, we then have a tendency to blame others, or society, or luck, karma, fate. Doesn't matter which one we try to lay the blame on.....we have created chaos in our own life.
Verse from Matthew says that in these last days people will grow hard and cold toward anything to do with the Gospel. I can see this happening. When it refers to love, it is talking about love for God...love for the truth. Most everyone can quote the verse from John where Jesus said that 'You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Know the truth....experience the uncovering in our own lives. Why do we need uncovering by God? So that we can truly see the state of our heart. The hatred...the selfishness...the jealousy, bitterness, unforgiveness, need I go on? That entire list is because of sin. Our character defects are a result of unconfessed sin, coupled with a rebellious nature.
Jesus defined the state of humanity here in these last days by saying that mankind's nature and appetite will increase to carry out behavior that stands outside God's will. In other words, we will see an increase in behavior and speech that goes against everything God stands for. Hearts will grow cold toward God and toward each other. Love will be redefined to fit whatever is needed for the moment. True love will burn only in the hearts of those who are seeking God.
In the midst of all this turmoil and acceptable behavior that our society will condone, there will be those who have not allowed themselves to be caught up in this charade. In some ways, they will be like Noah. They will be building spiritual "arks" for survival. They will look to Jesus as the answer for what they need to get through the day. It will be all about having endurance.
Let's take a look at Romans 5:1-5
V1. - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
V2. - Through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
V3. - And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulation, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance
V4. - And perseverance , proven character, and proven character, hope
V5. - And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
No matter what the world may throw at you today, you can make it.
No matter what choices you may have to make today dealing with problems and circumstances, you can choose rightly.
No matter how weak you may feel...
No matter how helpless you may feel in tackling these things....
God's strength is made perfect in you when you admit your weakness.
I can't explain how all this works, I just know that there is truth in it. It is real, and it is available to all who turn to Jesus and cry out for Him.
Paul said that he had learned the secret to life....No matter what he faced, good or bad...
"I can do all things through Him (Jesus) who strengthens me."
Maybe it's time we look for the real Jesus who can accomplish the same thing in my life.
Maybe it's time I admit my weakness.....my powerlessness...so I can embrace the power of Christ.
God on you....
mbb
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