Shining Bright in These Last Days
“But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, not lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also…
But you did follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, persecutions, and sufferings: those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. The Lord delivered me out of them all. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 10-14 WEB)
It seems that even though the world is more technologically advanced, connected, and knowledgeable than before, it has experienced a steep moral degradation in contrast to past generations. The world will only get worse.
However, we are not here to reform the world, but to cause as many who will listen to believe that Jesus is Lord and be saved. In this way, we are snatching souls out of the fire, as we await the glorious appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The more boldly you stand up for Jesus, the more persecution you will face. The world hates Jesus, and it will hate the disciples who love and follow Him.
Don’t let fear and intimidation dull your shine. There is not much time left until the church’s departure from this world. Soon, the trumpet will sound and with a shout, the Lord will cause our bodies to be transformed into glorified bodies that will never die, age, or weaken.
We should not leave this world without at least sharing the precious Gospel with the people around us. You don’t necessarily have to do it directly, but invite them to hear someone who preaches the Gospel, or give them an encouraging Christian book. Utilize the unique gifts that God has deposited in you, towards the goal of winning souls. Pray as you do these, requesting open doors for the Holy Spirit to work on their hearts.
In God’s kingdom, it seems that the martyrs and heavily persecuted ones are greatly honored and receive great rewards. “There is no love greater than this: that a man would lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus did that for us, and we can choose to do that for others, as worship unto God. Your faith, hope, and love shown for Jesus’ sake will not go unrewarded!
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