"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." -I John 2:15-17; underlining, bold and italics added for emphasis.
Yesterday a sizeable asteroid passed fairly close to the Earth, causing mostly only concerned "talk" among many. I happened across a brief article regarding this on a website regularly visited by my wife & I, and it included a decent amount of comments along with it. Though not surprised, I was struck by the utter disregard that anything bad could happen; not only from this "close call", but there seemed to be little concern for ANY potential hazard- ever!
Unfortuneatly, this phenomenon is rampant also in the professing Christian Church. But if there ever was a group that ought to believe in the end of the world, it is Christians! The Bible which God has faithfully preserved for us gives frequent and consistent testimony to this certainty. Exactly when may not be known, but even under the best of circumstances, none of us are promised tomorrow (James 4:15).
Where are your affections (Col. 3:2)? The "end of the world" is an uncomfortable subject for most, but why should that be? Jesus said that those who hate their lives in this world will keep it unto life eternal (John 12:25). I have heard the excuses for not confronting it, and most of these are but a thin cover for attempting to hide a deep love for this world, which true Christians are NOT to possess!
Brethren, the hour is at hand to set our spiritual houses in order. The Lord tells us in His Word that this end time will not overtake us as a thief in the night, but that we will be watching, and know the time when it comes (I Thess. 5:4-6). I believe this is kind of a built-in "final warning" system for mouth professing believers, that they may finally get serious and live the committed lives of faith which they proclaim; God is merciful.
While there is still time, turn to the Lord in humility; asking Him to search our hearts, to see if there be any wicked ways hidden within, that they may yet be dealt with (Psalm 139:23,24). Our proper response to the world ending should not be of fear and/or disbelief, but of soberness with deep joy. Again I ask you to consider; where do your affections lie?
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