What Are We Going To Do?

There is no doubt that our world is turning into an ugly place. A place where sin is glorified and promoted and where righteousness is ridiculed and made fun of. From all appearances this trend will continue and get worse. There is very little taking place that would seem to curtail this downward spiral that is taking place. Politics has been ugly for years. The entertainment media has a definite animosity towards God and those who worship Him. Sadly, it is no different in many so-called churches. The world has taken a strong influence on the members of these churches. It is to the point that they do not want their preachers teaching the truth; but the lies that will make them feel better about themselves without having to get down and do what God wants them to do. Paul wrote to Timothy and explained that there would be a time when the people would not endure sound doctrine and would accumulate for themselves teachers of their own desires (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Well that time took place back in the first century and has continued for nearly two thousand years. It becomes obvious it is this way because of the thousands of different denominations that are operating. They all claim to be faithful to God, yet they all ignore the Bible as God's instruction book. It seems that every time someone does not want to follow God's laws, they break off and set up a denomination that will accommodate their wishes and desires. Of course, those who ignore God's laws cannot feel that God is upset with them; so they add teaching that God accepts them. The purpose is so they can continue doing what they want to do and not have to fear that God will reject them. Too late! God has already told everyone how He is going to bring judgment upon the world. Our judgment will be a combination of how we treat others and whether we do the will of God (Matthew 7:21; Matthew 25:31-46; John 12:48).

With all the problems and how seemingly insignificant we appear to be, there are things we can do to help others and ourselves get to heaven. We must realize that not everyone is going to heaven, and we should not act like everyone out there. They might think they are cool and hip, but their soul is on the broad path of destruction (hell). We do not need to behave like them. In fact, if we do not behave like them, we are going to stick out like a sore thumb. Although we are not trying to make a spectacle of ourselves, the world will look at us as peculiar and weird. It will be hip to cast insults towards Christians. Do not worry about any who would treat you harshly. Worry about how God is going to treat you. You already know that doing God's will is something He appreciates and He is willing to reward those who do His will. Those who do not do His will are not going to heaven (Matthew 7:21-23).

Another thing we can do is to diligently make an effort to be involved with the brethren at church. These are the people from whom you can draw strength and encouragement. There is nobody in the world that cares whether you go to heaven or not. But those in the church do care about your soul. So you should spend time with those people who love and care for your soul, and you should distance yourself from those of the world.

Really, the only time you should hang around and party with those of the world is in trying to teach them the gospel of Christ which is the only way they can go to heaven. You will find out that these people do not care about God and doing right, or you will gain a brother/sister who will appreciate you so much for sharing the gospel with them.

We should also be praying a lot. We may not realize just how important our prayers are, but we do have the assurance that God hears the prayers of the righteous. God is still in control even though it looks like Satan has the majority of the souls in the world today. Just remember that God allows people to turn their back on Him and He allows them to believe lies (2 Thessalonians 2:11). We most certainly need to pray for our fellow saints and the ordeals they are going through. We must pray for ourselves that we remain faithful, and we ask God to help us in whatever needs we have. We should also pray for our friends and neighbors who are on the wrong pathway, then after praying for them, we need the courage to speak up and tell them the truth about God, Christ, the church, and how to be saved.

By Carey Scott

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