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Like a Thief in the Night
By Brian | June 22, 2008
I’m not typically one to be too apocalyptic. Nonetheless the Word is clear that we do not know the hour or the day that He will return[1 Thessalonians 5:2]. We do know that it’s going to be an incredible experience[2 Peter 3:10]. Where do you stand? No, I’m not screaming out the “end is near” or “turn and burn.” What does concern me is the many Christians that justify actions that are not clearly laid out in the Word, or worse, actions that are expressly forbidden.
The first that comes to mind for me is divorce but there are many, many others. There are certain expectations that the term “Christian” denotes. We are commanded to abstain from the appearance of evil[1Thessalonians 5:22]. Obviously we want to avoid doing evil, but it’s clear that even if we’re not doing evil there are times we appear to be, and that really should be avoided. We are representing Christ on Earth. This is no small responsibility.
In one of Ravi Zacharias’ radio programs he talks about his trip to the liquor store. If I can find it I will provide a link to it here. It’s one of the funniest stories I have ever heard, and it so clearly illustrates what it really means to avoid the appearance of evil. Of course, if we are told to avoid the appearance of evil clearly we need to avoid doing evil.
As many of you know, my wife belongs to an extremely spiritually abusive church and is in the process of divorcing me, clearly something she feels is supported by God. Not the Word, no, but some kind of push by the Holy Spirit. Anyway, when I saw her yesterday, 8 months pregnant, and no wedding ring on, I was just so deeply saddened. Of course most people wouldn’t think twice about a pregnant, unmarried, woman. Yet we should. At the very least we should see the lack of morals prevalent in society today.
We are accountable to a higher power. We are bond servants of Jesus Christ[Acts 16:17]. Isn’t it time we act like it? I recently spoke with a young man on the west coast. He and a group of young adults from their church are starting a house church. The reason: the main church does not address concerns they have. They feel that the elders within the church have grown complacent & apathetic toward the rules of the Christian road. We talked a bit about the situation, which I wont address, as well as the dangers inherent in a house church and I am satisfied that this small group is doing something that many groups do not. Living in a way the Word dictates.
I was reminded, once again, that how we live is a model for the Lord Jesus Christ, and if we live in a way that we are called hypocrites, or apathetic, or complacent, then the same will be said of the One True God.
Isn’t it time to practice what we preach?
Topics: Acts, Peter, Thessalonians |