” The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him…” 2 Chronicles 16:9
We are living in a fast-paced world where everything we can dreamed of or imagine seems possible. The world is filled with limitless opportunities wherein people are fighting to find for their own spot to climb the ladder in the society.
From generation to generation, sinful desires crunched in and it subtly & progressively turned a God-centered world into a world that knows no God anymore. People started living their lives directly opposite to what the Bible says.
1. DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD & THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD.
Nowadays, everyone’s focal point is towards their own personal dreams, the business they want to grow, the profession they want to attain, the life goals they want to achieve and the material things of the world that they want for themselves.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world —the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life —comes not from the Father but from the world.” 1 John 2:15-16
People, because of their sinful desires, have become spiritually blind to the ways of God and have been entangled with the things of this world. One popular quote from Kevin Deyoung says, “Worldiness is what makes sin look normal and righteousness looks strange“.
People have been corrupted and they didn’t even recognized it. They were soaked, drowning in sin without knowing. Sin became a huge important part of their lives and still they confidently say “they believe in God.”
” And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Isaiah 29:13
2. LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD & LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS
The world had orchestrated a human-based system that denies these 2 greatest commandments which is to “Love God, Love People“.
“and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul (life), and with all your mind (thought, understanding), and with all your strength.’ This is the second: ‘You shall [unselfishly] love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 (Amplified Version)
The problem is that regardless of how clear the Word of God is, people have deserted this teaching and instead followed the patterns of this world.
“As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands, NO ONE WHO SEEKS GOD. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one…” Romans 3:10-12
People have been so consumed of themselves without acknowledging God in their lives. Some had been religiously making themselves believe that what they do God pleases Him, but the Bible says “God delights to our obedience more than our sacrifices.”
People become lovers of themselves. People care only for what they care about. They have no regard of God, nor about others but rather everything was solely focused on themselves alone.
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” James 1:14
WARNING AGAINST APOSTASY
Bible Definition: (From Bible Study Tools)
– falling away, a withdrawal, a defection
– Defection from the faith, an act of unpardonable rebellion against God and his truth. The sin of apostasy results in the abandonment of Christian doctrine and conduct. With respect to the covenant relationship established through prior profession of faith, apostates place themselves under the curse and wrath of God as covenant breakers, having entered into a state of final and irrevocable condemnation.
This end-times / last days where we living now is not just about fighting against the sinful nature that rages inside of us (as the Bible says we are already a new nature, we are a new creation in Christ), but this is fighting to take hold of our FAITH in God. The Bible constantly urges us:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance…” Ephesians 6:10-18
A CALL TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH & MATURITY
” Therefore let us get past the elementary stage in the teachings about the Christ, advancing on to maturity and perfection and spiritual completeness, [doing this] without laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of teaching about washings (ritual purifications), the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. [These are all important matters in which you should have been proficient long ago.] ” Hebrews 6:1-2
To grow and mature in faith is something people cannot do for you. It is a choice you have to make for yourself. People can help you grow, they can walk alongside with you, but it is your personal desire that will lead you to your growth.
God’s Spirit has provided unsearchable wisdom that only He can provide, He can speak to you anytime you want to hear from Him, the Word of God is accessible for you to read and meditate, but is GOD REALLY A HIGH PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE?
Is God really that important to you?
Regardless of your answer, what’s important is that you can make a crucial decision now to be right with Him again.
” Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you. Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. ” Jeremiah 29:12-13