There is inadvertently a large swathe of professing Christians who are still stuck deeply into worldliness, despite the lateness of the hour. If unabated, the ramifications of this failing could go beyond human life – something only understood by the few who walk the Word. But even at this point in time, does a worldly outlook devoid of the faith in Christ bring any genuine comfort and joy?
Prior to the scourge of the ensuing pandemic, the world has been deemed through secular lenses as a forgiving environment awash with seemingly limitless options and opportunities. Getting only better with the passage of time, an enhanced quality of life as the days go by. Even for the folks that make more than a beeline where the pews are concerned on a Sunday, the notion of a whole wide world versus what they worshipped on a weekend simply became overwhelming. At best, some decided to compartmentalize their beliefs while there were those who decided that there were more important things in their comings and goings – they literally had no time for God! The few that clung on unflinchingly to the Word were looked on unfavorably as oddballs if not squares!
Everything underwent a radical makeover during the pandemic. The dance floors were vacated as the music died down. Challenges undreamt of sprouted out like tumbleweed. Uncharted territory for the multitudes. Some did gain spiritually when they went back to the Way, the Truth and the Life – these people were on the right train bound for Glory. Yet there are also many of the wrong train; that is why they are in such a sorry state – not just psychologically but more so spiritually!
These individuals are the ones experiencing ever-increasing emptiness in their lives as the days go by – no matter how vocal their denial is. There is no denying that there is very much of an abrupt facelift to everybody’s familiar backdrop once both feet are out of the place of residence. Nothing is pretty about this so-called new normal, no matter how much of the best can be made out of it. It is arguably the worst thing since the last World War.
Try sharing the Good News to these folks, and their response could be a stare of indifference. Bible prophecy and the Blessed Hope could trigger a cynical retort. The well-meaning messenger of hope could be baffled by such difficult to stomach resistance.
The trouble with these people is that of a long plus ocean-deep time in worldliness. It is this earthly clutter that has hardened their mindsets to the point that it is apparently impervious, where Holy Writ is concerned. It is, without doubt, the likes of a stronghold – a deceptive setup so fashioned by the Father of lies. The chips may be down for them, but they still forlornly hold on to their fleshy desires. Instead of reading the Bible, they would rather be striving for answers in someone like a secular motivational guru. Rather foolhardy of them to aim for a lifetime of bliss in an elusive partner of their runaway imagination. There is only one way to eternal happiness, which they rule out.
Their bets are thus far focused on inconsequential stuff, fleeting in nature and truly transient!
Their bookshelves could have paperbacks and hardbacks, all that blah blah about the self. How about the stack of designer labels in their wardrobes? All these will do little to bring about the inner peace their souls scream for! They are nothing more than clutter that adds to the confusion. We, in our frail, fleshly form can only give them the message. It is only through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit that the clutter that presents itself as a stronghold will not be so. Otherwise, there is that likelihood that the realization will hit once the Church is gone – when someone sharing the truth they are acquainted with has vanished!
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).
Yes indeed, the world is falling apart, as it is in a terminal decline. But it need not worry anybody doing His will. We are at the cusp of joy and peace that is everlasting!
Maranatha
Edwin
Contact me at edwinuk13@gmail.com