“And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,” (1st Kings 11:9)
Start out strong, end poorly.
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Start poorly, end strong.
There are those who are born-again and there are those that profess to be, and in both cases, there are many who sort of just meander through what we call the Christian life. The Lord Jesus Christ is not the central focus of their existence, but at least He is considered in some cases. Depending of course upon the circumstances.
Troubles and hardships? Call upon Him.
Just another day? Well, no need to bother Him.
Care to know how good some people are at this?
“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica;” (2nd Tim. 4:10a)
Want to know how easily some of them can be deceived?
“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” (Gal. 3:1)
These days of deceived and being deceived did not start recently my friends, it has always been like this, it has simply grown exponentially over the last few decades because the time of the Gentiles is coming to a close. Both the saved and lost, the wicked and unrepentant will once again kneel in prayer when things start to go badly for them, they will ask for help because there may be pain and suffering on the horizon, and then when the imminent danger has passed, they will need to get back to the business of life.
Maybe offer a thank you to Him who rules on High, a few well intended promises that will slowly fall to the wayside in a short period of time, about praying more, reading the Scriptures more often, being more attentive to His will.
Most people though really do not seek the face of God in their daily lives. Places to go, people to see, things to do. Maybe tomorrow, promising, always promising to do better tomorrow. The convictions slowly fade away, and it is not because the cares of this world creep in, it is because they allow them to.
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12)
But not until later, right? And then remember, God is merciful, He understands, you were busy, always busy.
I have wondered, that thief on the cross, was he busy about his life one day and happened to walk by Jesus, and the Lord turned and simply glanced at him for a moment, eye to eye contact for just a second? And if so, was that before or after he was caught stealing?
Troubles come and we cry out. The troubles leave and we unlock the church doors, invite everyone back inside, and act like nothing happened. Don’t worry, everything is alright now, we’re all safe, and if trouble shows up again, all we have to do is call upon Him and He will answer us, save us.
Even while we run and hide from each other.
Adds a little more knowledge to the truth of 2nd Timothy 3:2, doesn’t it.
“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,”
On fire for the Lord, as it is called, until as the years pass and little danger approaches, we take Him for granted. Life is good, and we are on our way to heaven. An occasional prayer here or there, listen to the sermons, think about Him once and awhile and call yourself a child of God.
After all, you were busy, and He understands. Wouldn’t want to offend, so we do not mention His name in public. Wouldn’t want to judge, so we just let things run their course, they’ll figure it out. Right?
There’s no reason to live fully for Christ, because for you, to die is gain. Right?
