The last days

“Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4

Why does one serve God? How does one know if they have truly experienced a radical change within them? The great Francis Chan once said, “You can tell the difference between someone who is controlled by the Holy Spirit vs. someone who is not.” And though we all claim to have accepted Christ Jesus, only our lives, our words, our actions will show that we have. How, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I have found it so funny that one can claim to be a lover of Christ, yet he/she will look the other way when a brother or sister approaches them. Why, do they not know if they are both true children of God that they going to spend eternity in heaven with them?

How is it that one can get mad at those who want to live more for the Lord and not conform to the ways of man? Is that the work of the Holy Spirit? No, he brings unity.

For me, I have found some of the most hurtful people to be those who say they love Jesus.

How can one develop a personal relationship with Christ if they are not even willing to read their Bibles every day?

How can a “true” believer treat a brother or sister as ugly as they do? Isn't forgiveness and love what Jesus teaches the most.

How can one claim to be a follower of Christ yet go to the places they go, and do the things they do?

How can one be so prideful and hateful to one another and call themselves children of God. That is not part of the fruits of the Spirit.

How can one really justify their actions when they know that they are not actions that are pleasing to Christ? Does the Holy Spirit not do all things that please Christ?

Is it fair for one to say they love all people yet speak poorly about them to others? 

There has been one thing I have learned about the human race including myself over this last year, and it is if we truly want to live a life pleasing to the Lord, than we will be loving, forgiving, and kind, we will walk according to the word of God and we will not be conformed to worldly living or those who choose to do so. Because we have had a radical change take place within our hearts-the Holy Spirit!

And there is a huge difference between surrounding yourself with those who actually want to be better for the Lord and grow vs. those who don't!

Why do we compete with other denominations and believers, really, brethren, God has no favorites! And there will be no favorites in heaven. We are all covered with the same grace, mercy, love, and blood and we all serve the same God!

There really is a HUGE radical difference between those who say they are Christians and those who actually live it through the mighty power of the Holy Spirit. He is who makes the radical change, and when He is in control you are  not the same and people see and know that, even if they deny it.

True followers of Christ are willing to die to themselves. They are not selfish; they do not judge or make accusations against those who have not wronged them. They even understand that this life is about Christ and not themselves. They are willing to live in such a way as to not cause others to stumble but to lead others to Christ. They understand who they are in Christ and the purpose for which they live. 

Regardless of where you are God can and will change you. He has me! He wants to; He finds great pleasure in bringing all people to Him. But you have to be willing to change, you have to be willing to make sacrifices and you have to be willing to suffer.

There was a reason Paul spoke about the dangers of the last days.

“You should also know this, Timothy that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control; they will be cruel and have no interest in what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. You must stay away from people like that.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

I wonder how many of us can see ourselves within this passage. If so what are we willing to do to change? 

I know as for me I never want become hardened to the convictions of the Holy Spirit. I never want to be classified as just an everyday Christian. I want to be more than that! I am so radically in love with Christ that everything I say and do I want to reflect Him. There is not a day that goes by that I am not asking the Lord to search me and change me. I never want to live or do anything that hurts or displeases Him.

Even in spite of what others say or the ugliness that pours out from their actions, I always want to live my life in such a way that will bring the utmost honor, praise and glory to Jesus. Don't you?  I never want others to see more of me than what I really am. And I never want to be so consumed with self that I miss the greatest blessings of Christ.

How about you? Have you experienced a radical change within you? If not I invite you to do so today. 

Prayer: Lord we are living in the last days, and sin is rampant. I pray that we will not waste any more time pleasing ourselves, or living such ugly lives. Change and transform the hearts of Your people. May we daily bring our heart before You allowing You to examine it and reveal any unwholesomeness that is within us. Lord break our hearts with the things that break Yours. Amen