We Have Been 'Set Apart'

Recently, while driving through an area where a couple of nightclubs were located, I once again realized the necessity for myself to remain sober in these last days. As I drove through this area looking in through the windows at the people drinking and carrying on, I felt sorrow for those who do not know Christ at this hour. Right here in America, the greatest bastion of Christianity in the entire world, most don't know or trust that God has preserved our nation and our very lives to this hour.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10

Unfortunately, we live in a world that does not place much value on Godly wisdom. If you disagree, just turn on your television. It is horrifying what is considered 'normal' today. What passes for 'entertainment' today is indicative of a culture in absolute moral decay. To make matters worse, modern culture and human tendencies have developed a 'herd mentality.' Many choose to go with the flow of society and rarely question the status quo. Like the frog that sits in the boiling pot of water until it is too late, the majority of our culture is willingly submerged in decadence, whether we realize it or not. Try as we may, we cannot escape its grasp. This decadence fills the television and radio airwaves. It lies in wait for us on the internet. It winks at us from advertising billboards. It saturates our nation's marketing tactics and is even seeping into the churches. Some people have even fooled themselves into believing that they can live however they desire without fear of any negative repercussions. It has been called the ultimate fool's game: "I can live my way & win."

As Christians, we have been purchased by the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have been justified and sanctified. We have been 'set apart' for God's plans and purposes. We do not have the luxury of going along with the crowd, even though our 'flesh' may desire it. We have an important job in the Church to spread the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection to an unbelieving sea of humanity. In today's homogenized culture, a commitment to Christ should make us stand out. In fact, as Christians, we are supposed to be different from this world. We are to be in this world, but not of it. Of course, I am not advocating that we should stand out solely for the purpose of standing out. Rather, as followers of Christ, this world should not feel like home to us. We are pilgrims, sojourners. Does this world feel like home to you? Have you become comfortable here?

We live in truly remarkable times. What a day and an hour to be living in! The lateness of the prophetic hour is staggering to the imagination. Each and every day, this present world is growing ever darker. We must do all we can to avoid strong attachments to the things of this world. Instead, we should seek to root ourselves in the Word of God and lose ourselves in His plans and purposes for our lives.

The time to dive into the things of God is now. You must make up your mind that you are going to follow Christ, no matter what happens in the natural. Financial disaster may strike, persecution may come, war may loom, but in all of those things we must CHOOSE to follow Christ and seek after His wisdom. With an attitude like that, you will be prepared for whatever may come. Readers, you are in my prayers continually. May the Lord richly bless you and may your faith be evidenced by your wisdom in these last days. Come, Lord Jesus!