Globablly, we are heading south at a rapid rate of speed and nothing is going to stop us this time. I believe the time is close. Believers and non believers alike are sensing something is about to happen all over the world. Christ said in the last days the love of many would wax cold. I'm sensing that today.
For years in our country, we've watched silently as our freedoms erode around us as link by link the shackles are being clamped on. We are no longer considered the land of the brave and the free we once were. We are a society of over indulgent, self seeking, complaining spoiled brats who want nothing else but to get our own way. It's all about me and what I want. It's all about now. Our excessive living has weakened us, not made us stronger. We have become dependant on material things while we abuse people who dare get in our way.
It should be the other way around. We should use things and cherish people but I'm afraid we have been duped into thinking it's ok to cherish things and use people.
Look at the scandals all around us. A day doesn't go by and yet another leader or hero falls into this trap of excessive living bringing himself down as well as those around him. Presidents, Governors, Preachers, Coaches, Football players and the list goes on. Those who should be leading us are stealing from us instead whether it be in the form of money, adultery or even our trust. Those in leadership positions who should be taking care by being good examples are instead no more than goats in sheep's clothing seeking to devour any who get in their way. Whatever happened to a good name should be protected and is worth more than gold and silver?
Last week in just a normal conversation with two strangers I met at an open house, I could see how brainwashed we've become in the "it's all about me society."
We were talking and one thing led to another and I mentioned the fact that my husband and I were at a crossroads trying to make a decision on our next move. That may mean packing up and moving out of our beautiful new home. Yes, we are very comfortable and thought this would be it. Yes, we have it made in the shade as some would say but we are not quite content because we are waiting on God's next marching orders wondering if we should sell and move along. I'm not totally fond of this idea, but if it's God, who am I to say no?
I told the two ladies that it quite possibly is God moving us out of our comfort zone to give it all up for others. If so, we need to be willing to go.
Well one of these ladies with a bit of a scornful look on her face said "well you have to do what is right for you first." I kindly explained to her that the decision we're mulling would indeed be a sacrifice but one we're willing to make if we know it's from God. The best place to be in all the world is the center of God's will. I told her that the way I look at it from a Chrisitian POV is that it's God first, me second. To serve God means to serve others before yourself. She had no reply but her companion agreed with this outlook.
Think about it. What a different place this world would be if we all took the time to put others ahead of ourselves. Instead of stealing from one another, we would be giving. Instead of committing adultery on our spouses we would be honoring our commitments, strengthening our families instead of destroying them. Instead of taking advantage of others we would rather choose to be great examples for those in our pathway instead of bringing shame to our community, our state and our country by violating that trust.
We've been sold a soggy bill of goods thinking that we can be happy by heaping upon ourselves more and more and more stuff stepping on others to get it. When in fact, the real joy comes in helping others and being "other minded" rather than self seeking.
Yesterday the sermon at church was on doing ALL things without complaining or grumbling. We read this:
"Do everything without complaining or arguing in that you may become blameless and harmless without fault in a crooked and depraved generation..." Philip 2:14-15
The world being crooked means it's out of proper alignment. The word crooked comes from the Greek word "Skolios" where we get scoliosis from. It means "curved, bent, winding" and metaphoricaly means "crooked, perverse, unjust" or "unscrupulous; dishonest" and can also be translated "warped."
Get the picture? Doesn't this explain our world today? It's out of alignment. As a Christian I have to ask myself, am I helping the world for the better or for the worse?
So we have to ask ourselves, what kind of advertisement are we? There's nothing like an improper road sign. It can potentially have devestating effects. It can give the wrong direction.
When we complain and grumble, aren't we showing a negative attitude and rejecting God's will? We need to keep that in mind when we hold up our sign of complaining in front of others. Aren't we giving the wrong message? Doesn't God say to be blameless and harmless for the sake of others? For the sake of the world?
Yes. Afterall when it's all said and done, we have to live with ourselves and the directions we gave. One day we will meet our creator and all becomes visible in the light. Everything is made visible...every little thing.
It's time we make sure the road sign we're holding is pointing in the right direction.