Let's face it, life is hard...that's no secret, but living life with Christ in mind in a world like today, can make things a lot more complicated. The Bible tells us exactly what the world will look like in the end times. 2 Thessalonians 2:2-3 KJV says, "That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 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." What I want to highlight from this scripture is the falling away part. The Greek translation for this is: a falling away, apostasy, defection. The Strong's definition states: a defection from the truth; the same as apostasion which translates to divorce or repudiation. The word defection means the desertion of one's country or cause in favor of an opposing one.
Why is this so important? Well, we all live in a world today where people are more concerned with their careers, having fun and living a life that is convenient for them. A world, where speaking your beliefs and values are perceived as judging, attacking and being "closed minded". Why is this you may ask? It is exactly what the Apostle Paul was speaking about in the second book of Thessalonians. We are truly living in the last days. People are deserting the truth in favor of the opposing one; what's right is wrong and what's wrong is right. What's actually the truth, is now called a lie and the lies are now called truth, but don't be discouraged! We as children of the Most High must remain fearless and sober minded for the time shall come that we will reap if we faint not!
Did you know that the word sober is mentioned 12 times throughout the New Testament? Yes! It actually is! Sober doesn't just apply to the use of or exposure to alcohol. The word sober means: make or become serious, sensible, solemn. It is imperative that a follower of Christ the Messiah has a sober, serious and sensible mindset in these days. Never be afraid to the be the one person in your particular group of friends that decides to think more about life after this world has ended; that decides to have a consciousness of one's spirit and it's connection to the Most High. It may call for you to walk alone sometimes or to purge your circle of influence, but believe me it will all be worth it in the end. I want to end this with a couple of key verses to meditate on.
1 Thessalonians 5: 3-6 KJV: For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1 Peter 5:8 KJV: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 4:7 KJV: But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
In everything that you do, make sure that your decisions lead you closer to a life pleasing unto God.
Shalom & Blessings.
Joanna