When I was young, the parents in our neighborhood never worried about us kids. We’d be out playing all day long, and they wouldn’t be concerned at all. Whenever my friends and I rode our bicycles somewhere, it never even occurred to us to lock them. We lived in a relatively safe time and place, where crime, though not non-existent, was rare.
Things have changed. These days, most parents want to know where their kids are at all times. We tend to watch over them like hawks. And in most cases, it is necessary.
But why?
Because we’re living in perilous times.
The Bible says it’s a sign of the end that people all around us will brazenly give themselves over to sin and depravity, as Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:1-4,
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
Jesus also speaks about other signs of the end, such as global upheaval and unrest, an increase in natural disasters and wars, and diseases without cures. He says in Luke 21:28, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
Friend, these things haven’t just begun to happen; they’ve been happening for some time. With each passing day, Bible prophecy is being fulfilled before our eyes. Indicating that Jesus’ return is very close!
Question: In light of this, how should we be living?
Well, the type of character we should be displaying in these last days is the exact opposite of the depraved traits that Paul describes above. Our relationship with Christ should make us radically different. As believers, we’re to swim against the surging flow of the world. We’re called to shine forth as lights in our crooked and perverse generation.
In practical terms, that means we need to live soberly, prayerfully, and generously toward the Kingdom. We should live lives filled with comfort and hope, even in the midst of great unrest. And we need to do all we can to reach precious souls for Christ while we still can—while the door of God’s grace and mercy remains open.
Let me tell you about a time when I learned how important it is to share Christ with others while the opportunity exists.
My wife and I were at a tailor’s shop to get my coat altered. The tailor was a really large man who brazenly cursed and used foul language while smoking a big cigar.
As I stood there getting fitted for alterations, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, Talk to this man about his soul.
But I didn’t do it.
As my wife and I were getting into our car, the Holy Spirit spoke to me a second time, Go back inside and talk to that man about his soul.
Honestly, the man intimidated me, so again I failed to obey.
We drove off, the burden lifted, and I didn’t think about it again until the next day when a friend asked, “Did you hear about that tailor? He walked into his shop this morning and fell over dead from a heart attack.”
I knelt down and prayed, “God, I’m so sorry! Wash me clean, Lord. Forgive my disobedience. Forgive me for yielding to fear.”
You see, right now God’s grace is at work in our world as we shine for Christ and share the Gospel. But friend, these days are numbered!
