"But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you". Titus 2:1-8 (NKJV)
If all of mankind were to hear what God has said from the beginning of time and heed it- adjusting his or her heart, life, and motives in whatever way necessary to comply and conform to the bedrock of truth, wisdom and instruction in what God's shared with us, I contend that every person's life would be radically different from that of those now living so vainly in the world. In fact, the world as a whole would be radically different.
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." Titus 2:11-14 (NKJV)
True belief in God is fading across the societies of mankind and those who are increasingly becoming the remnant in the process must wonder why it is that the heart of mankind can be so treacherous and unfaithful to the Greatest Heart that gave all of mankind its very breath. But then, the arising question, whose answer is most tragic must be asked; who among us is actually innocent? Even some who call themselves His own take His word out of context for one purpose or another, or call attention to a particular verse or verses to unlock some desired thing, as if the infallible word of God is a book of magic verses, rather than recognizing that those things desired are themselves the benefit of submitting to walk with God obediently as He requires.
"What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one"" Romans 3:9-10 (NKJV)
If we've truly believed God, submitting to Him in all things- including having a love for Him that far surpasses that of the affection and adoration for any other person, place, or thing, and continue in His ways, we were still, once at the very least, bearing the sentence of Adam as he brought his own sinful guilt upon the entire species of mankind. Now, I bring this up not to draw up depression for the reason of having brought injury to the most pure heart of our Lord and God, but instead to point out that so much of mankind in large number has lost any wisp of humility- and most threatening to his own existence- the proper fear of EL ELYON. That lack of proper respect makes way for so many things that may serve to pave the way of his own destruction. Before we knew better, we were once subject to that same potential. I think that there may well be some who call themselves "Christian" who still are.
As Christ's true followers, there's cause for joy at our continual graduation from such things as the Holy Spirit moves us forward through the process of sanctification! By His grace, from among the throng of mankind, we are not those who continually wound God's heart without any concern for what we do against our greatest love! We're instead chosen to experience the joy and blessing of his close presence and witness His hand in our lives- continually working to bless and prosper us in those things most choice in His kingdom and economy, from among the countless number of our species!
While we may be temporarily forced to witness the depravity and sad waste of God-given lives around us, we're more than mere survivors chosen to profit from the truth and salvation of our God. In fact, through Christ, we're so much more!
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God." Romans 8:14-19 (NKJV)
As much as the decaying world of man is continually providing motivation for our hearts to be tried and wounded by the corruption, death and despair around us, the glory of the Kingdom of God, our true home, is increasingly drawing nearer. While it may exist with us now in some measure, the full experience of it is yet before us- held firm by our hope in Christ who will never fail us. All that is now will one day be stripped away to reveal the reality of what God intended for us- those who truly love Him, from the beginning of time! I have no doubt, given the ability of our God to create awe and wonder, that there will be things so unfathomably wonderful that our minds, as we are now, could never conceive of them in our wildest imaginations! ...
...But for now, we must endure some things that are unappealing to us and suffer to be surrounded by a world that reviles the light of Christ in us. We don't do this alone though, we have Christ in us. And also, He's given us each other- our eternal family to keep us company and to walk with us in the journey.
“Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; But My righteousness will be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation.” Isaiah 51:7-8 (NKJV)
Our Lord's never even a whisper away as we allow Him residence in our own hearts and minds and as we continually refresh and bolster the source of our hope and confidence through the scriptures that He's so graciously provided to help sustain us in our journey. For now, we only need to continually immerse ourselves in those scriptures, submit willingly to the Holy Spirit in the process of our sanctification, and truly worship of our God from a heart of gratitude. As we do, we know that whatever we may be subjected to in this momentary life, He's with us every step of the way toward our goal- to be forever with our God in His presence.
"And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:3-5 (NKJV)
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