There is a lot of controversy brewing in the social media world. Let me tell you something about me that you may or may not already know: I don’t get involved in that kind of thing. I’m not here to discuss a refugee crisis or what should/shouldn’t be done as far as a war on ISIS. That is far above my pay grade. Instead, I just want you to answer one simple question, because chances are, you’ve been dwelling on terrorists and things like that for the past few days. The question is this: will you be ready?
Our life is a vapor (James 4:14). It was a vapor before the Paris attacks and it will be a vapor for as long as you are granted breath on this earth. One day, you will die, and you will stand before God in a final Judgment scene (Hebrews 9:27). You will give an account on that day of the deeds done in the body. You will stand before God and be accountable for all of the sins that haven’t been cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Are you ready?
You see, we don’t know what the future holds. We don’t know how many homegrown terrorists are in our country right now. We don’t know if the latest ISIS threats toward our country will play out. We don’t know if an illness will strike or a car accident will happen. We just don’t know. But we can’t live in fear. We can’t live in fear of a rogue refugee. We can’t live in fear of everyone who looks differently than we do. We can’t live in fear of anyone who could kill the body but not the soul. At least, we shouldn’t. Because if we ARE ready…if we’re living lives with eternity in mind…we have a boldness for the approaching Judgment Day (1 John 4:17).
Jesus said that whoever does the will of God will be saved. Whoever has an active faith (James 2:14-26), whoever lets their light shine (Matthew 5:16), whoever helps the helpless (James 1:27), whoever gives food/shelter/clothing/help/warmth to those in need (Matthew 25:34-36); these are the ones who will be saved. Those who have lived obedient lives (Hebrews 11). Those who have submitted to the Lord in baptism (1 Peter 3:21). Those whose lives are patterned after Christ (Colossians 3:1-4).
On the Day of Judgment you won’t be asked if you were a Republican or Democrat. You won’t be asked if you were a citizen of so-and-so country. You won’t need a passport or ID or anything else. You will be known, and you will be responsible for all you did on earth. All the deeds. All the words. The way your heart was…which is already a very telling sign of where your eternal home will be.
So while the rest of the world bickers and argues about current events, let us hold fast to our Lord. Let us continue to pattern our thoughts and lives after Him. Caring deeply for others. Always showing compassion. Rebuking false teaching. Continuing in prayer. Helping the weary. Loving all those we come in contact with, because Jesus never withheld love and we shouldn’t either. While the ones He loved were dangerous (they murdered Him after all), He still loved them.
I’m not here to tell you how to think/feel/react to anything that’s going on in our world. I’m simply asking you to think. Think about your reactions, your words, your actions, your mindset, your heart. How do those things align with the gospel? Are they helping you to “walk worthy of the gospel” or are they leading you down a path of bitterness, hatred, and prejudice? Is your example helping your brothers and sisters around you? Is your attitude one that you wouldn’t mind parting this life with? Would it be one our God and Father would be pleased with on the day of Judgment?
Ultimately, that’s what it’s about, right? We want to be pleasing to God. And so, in whatever way that means, let’s do it. Let’s model our lives after Jesus. Let’s show the world our love and faith and trust and whole-hearted commitment. And if we die for it (or for something else), will we be ready? That’s really all that matters, isn’t it? Being ready.
I pray I am, and I pray you will be also. May God bless our world with peace through His Beloved Son, and may He bless each of us with opportunities to promote such peace/truth.
