Tonight as I watched the world news I was reminded of how quickly this world seems to be coming to an end. The weather changes, the ever present, never ending wickedness, the care free attitude that everyone is adopting, and most of all, the things taking place in the area of politics. I thought about what it would be like if God came back within the next year, two years, or five years. It wouldn't just be the end (earthly speaking) for us Christians. It isn't just the beginning of paradise that we will live in with Christ. It isn't just the fulfilment of scriptures.
It is the beginning of torture for those who have not excepted Christ.
Looking around at the people I work with, the people I see on TV, and even the people I go to church with, I see a world of people who think they don't need God. I see very smart people who are self sufficient, people who depend on thereselves to get what they want.
These people are accepted for who they are because "everything goes" these days. No one feels condemmed for their way of living because everyone is doing it. The motto of the day seems to be, "Do what feels right." And if they are confronted about the sin in their life, or where they will spend eternity there is always a joke that will push the question away light heartedly.
These thoughts lead me to wonder what good it does to tell others about Christ. Are they listening?
Do they care?
As I was thinking about these things while I read my Bible, God showed me 1 Thessalonians 2:4. "
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts."
I'm afraid most of the people who are living without Christ
don't care. American's are not as tender and open towards the Word of God as they use to be. But, God entrusted us with the Gospel. What good is the Gospel going to do if it is hidden in our own home or church? The Word of God needs to be shared no matter who is or isn't listening. Like Paul said, "
even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts."
Our preacher mentioned Sunday that the world doesn't believe God is coming back because Christians don't seem to belive it. The world sees no action on our part that would make them believe His return is soon and those who are left behind will face hell. But then I asked myself, do I have some of those character traits I mentioned just now? Do I act like I don't need God? Do I shrug sinful things off like they don't matter?
Even with all these thoughts going through my head, I'm not going to go into work tomorrow and witness to everyone I meet. But I will try to be cheerful, caring, helpful, and God-minded. I need to try to act like the best Christian I can be and mention God's name when I can. It's amazing how little phrases like, "Praise the Lord!" or "Thank God!" make people notice. But above all, I need to try to remember that even if the whole world seems to be ignoring me, I'll still keep serving God because I am to please Him, not others.
A few years ago I stumbled across an artical that described four personality types that most people have. Until then I had read nothing about this subject. I was very excited to find out that lots of people have my personality type and that there is actually a reason that I am the way I am! It was like I finally understood that I can't help my quirky little ways I've had for ever and ever.
So it's no wonder that in days gone by I've chosen to read a book when there were chores to do, play the piano when there were desserts to be baked, or daydreamed on a beautiful day when there were more productive things I could have been doing. That is the way God made me, but all the time I realized that there were some areas I could work on.
But this past week I have started to see a change! Of course from time to time I have my little dilligent spirts, but this one has lasted a long time . . . and I'm enjoying it! I have been busy cleaning and organizing my room, cooking and baking, dusting, vacuuming, writing, and quilting. What amazes me most is the lists I'm keeping! For a girl who has always despised keeping a "to do list", I'm actually learning to appreciate it's purpose! This makes me think there's still hope for me after all! I now know that I can be as dilligent as mama if I try hard enough! I like to call it "Delightfully Dilligent" because I'm always happier when I keep my hands busy doing productive things.
"You must constantly ask yourself these questions: Who am I around? What are they doing to me? What have they got me reading? What have they got me saying? Where do they have me going? What do they have me thinking? And most important, what do they have me becoming? Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay? Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change."