Maybe if we were perfectly honest we would admit that we fall short of loving Him with all our strength, heart, soul, an mind...well, at least some of the time.
I recently had my love for God challenged in a whole new way. At least it was new for me.
Many of you are familiar with David Wilkerson. I had the opportunity to read His most recent News letter. It really got me to thinking and most of what I share here (quote and scriptures) is a result of that letter. Read it if you can.
We all know that Christ is coming again. We are living in an age of mercy in which the earth and the peoples in it are not getting what they deserve. We all so no that there is a promise of Christ return and the judgement that will then ensue. The evil doers will finally "get what they deserve".
May I ask a personal question? How do you feel when people start talking about Christ return?
I'll be honest. I think...Oh, not yet! There is still so much here that I want to do...to experience...or accomplish!
Or is it truly that this quote is more me then I wish...
"Life is good for most people, including Christians, and the focus is on how to keep the good times rolling on. Like Lot's wife, many are supposed by their possessions. they have become addicted to the things of this world, and in their minds Jesus' coming would be disruptive." (emphasis mine)
Is the thought of Jesus coming again disruptive to me and my desires?!
Am I forgetting and neglecting the passage in scripture that say we should be waiting, watching longing for His return!
I'm not talking about a doom and gloom preoccupation with Christ return.
I'm talking about a living, zealous desire to be ready and found faithful at the return of Christ! To be actively working and being vigilant stewards of the blessing He has given us to faithful accomplish the task He's given us to steward. Read Matthew 24:42-47
1Peter 3:11-14 encourages us "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation in godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for a new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace without spot, and blameless"
Looking and hastening? How can we hasten? (One answer is in Matt 24:14) Do we want to hasten? Or are the things of this world more attractive to us then what God has for us? Do we love the world more then we love God? More then we love His return?
The second coming will happen, whether we want it to or not. Jesus asked in Luke 18:8 if He would find faith on the earth when He returned.
It will happen as the world continues to operate as if it were any other ordinary day just like in the days of Noah. (Luke 17-28-30)
Church! Beloved of God! Let's be faithful! Let's be working to hasten His return! Yes, much of our life will be ordinary as we occupy and tarry till He comes, being faithful stewards, but in our hearts lets be those who love His coming!
"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all t hem also that love His appearing" 2 Timothy 4:8
