How Steadfast Are You?
“I guess [another Christian leader] renounced his faith now,” a friend texted. This really upsets me. If people are going to apostatize, why can’t they do so quietly instead of making a big announcement and shaking the faith of those who look up to them? It could be argued that people shouldn’t be looking up to them anyway, but people do. They long to see Christianity in action and, instead, they see people who once claimed the name of the Lord declaring it to be a farce.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. ~1 Peter 5:8
Satan is having a heyday confusing those who should be strong in the faith but who, for some reason, are surrendering to the enemy. Why? Do they not believe there is really a God? Do they think that the “freedom” they feel now is worth spending an eternity in Hell?
I am not writing this self-righteously. I am examining my own heart and asking God to keep me close to Him. I am praying for new believers who have questions of their own. We have a major problem when more people are denouncing their faith than are being drawn to Christ. We are in desperate need of revival but we don’t want it badly enough to turn off our TVs and get on our knees.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. ~2 Thessalonians 2:3
This is what we are seeing. As Jesus’ return draws near, Satan is working overtime to convince people that it is more fun to follow him. Friends, this is a wake-up call. God will not strive with man forever. If we do not spend time drawing close to the Lord, getting to really know Him, we too could fall away.
Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he falls. ~1 Corinthians 10:12
If there is any sin, no matter how slight, that is keeping you from fully walking with the Lord, confess it today. Every day, people are dying who have no chance to repent and get right with God. You don’t know that you have tomorrow and, although you may have 20 years or more left, it’s not worth the risk.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. ~Hebrews 6:4-6
I do not want to be guilty of this. Plus, whenever one falls, it doesn’t just affect them; it affects everyone around them.
Wake up, Church! The days of complacency need to end. It is time to put aside the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life and the sins which so easily ensnare us while we run with perseverance the race that God has set before us (Hebrews 12:1). God has created you for a purpose, and it is not to lose your faith! If you have questions, find a mature Believer who can answer those for you. Don’t give up. The battle can be hard but, in due season, we will reap if we do not faint (Galatians 6:9).
I know others have written on this but I decided to post anyway. I started days ago but wanted to take my time since this is such a serious topic. I think the bottom line comes from Revelation 2:10:
Be faithful unto death, and you will receive the crown of life.
Amen. Lord, let it be so.
Very well said, thanks for sharing your heart it’s time to face the truth of the matter of our complacency.