Most people are followers, and although they like to think of themselves as independent thinkers, this is most generally not the case. Because they can work to purchase their own food and perhaps also for their families, because they have the ability to function somewhat normally within the system and society that they have determined to reside in, they believe themselves to be individuals capable of self-sustainment. Independence, free will, all add to these factors, they lead lives they see as one of leadership, even if it is only of their own lives, yet most are sadly mistaken. “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:22)
When the governmental agencies of the nation they reside in make a decree, that decree must be followed or there will be personal repercussions, it matters little what that law or regulatory action is, if it is not followed, some form of pain will be attributed upon the offending person, as so by default, the citizens of that society will adhere to the precepts set upon them out of fear, they will follow. These are basic concepts to those in positions of leadership, the herd at least in most nations can only be given a certain amount of freedom, yet they must be made to feel free in the day-to-day business of their lives, the perception of punishment is more valuable than the actual act of it, but at times, certain members of society must be used as an example of that power that those in authority wield.
Every person who has been placed in authority over us, no matter where we live, no matter how so-called important the position is, has been set in that position by God, (Romans 13:1) whether they realize it or not. What many have mistakenly perceived is that they are always set in place for our benefit, when in fact they are placed in these positions for the glory of God. “That the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men.” (Dan. 4:17) The plan has not changed, it has not been altered, since Satan heard “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Gen. 3:15) The end goal has been the same, the glory of God by all living creatures. “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Heb. 10:4) “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20)
Now we reside in the age of grace, but the age of the gentiles is coming to a close. The rapture will happen, the great and terrible day of the Lord will begin, and every person that is in the highest forms of authority over man is, whether they know it or not, leading mankind to these days. The whole of the matter? “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matt. 10:28) Laws will be placed upon us in the near future that the born-again believer will not be able to obey, rules and regulations that if they are adhered to will show to others a lack of trust in the promises of Almighty God, laws that will deny to others by the actions taken a lack of disobedience to the will and Word of the Scriptures. This will of course culminate in the taking of the mark, by which no man will be able to buy or sell without. (Rev. 13:17)
But our adversary is subtle, and our Lord is patient and merciful, small steps are always the safest, if you let the followers know they are being led, they will begin to question, and when debate begins in the mind, disillusionment and disobedience follows. The proclaiming of “What is best for all, must be forced upon all” will be the battle cry, and those whose minds that have been blinded by Satan, those who are weaker in their resolve, will follow blindly. The children of God must pray intently each day to have a heart that can discern between good and evil, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matt. 24:24) This verse is not only for those during the tribulation period, it is for us during these last days of the age of grace. It is impossible to discern when, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20) if you have not pleaded with the Lord to bless you with a heart that can discern between the two, Satan’s subtlety, his deceits, will become more and more difficult to see through as time goes by, or better yet, as these times approach. He is fluent in every single language on the planet, he knows every inflection of every word, his main goal in this area is to cause doubt, but it is no more than his first words to mankind, “Hath God said.” (Gen. 3:1)
Prepare for the safety and well being of those you love as much as the Lord has led you to, but do not over think or overdo it, prepare their hearts and minds for what may be very difficult days ahead, but above all, prepare them not to fear. Do not fall into the traps that are being laid ahead of us, those of nervousness, anxiety, and fear. We already know what is going to happen, the signs have been evident for several decades now, it is the heart that must be prepared. A heart that fears is one that does not yet truly believe that “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18) The heart that is anxious in these turbulent times does not yet fully believe that “And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” (Deut. 31:8)
The mind that is not held captive by Christ, (2 Cor. 10:5) will doubt. The born-again believer has only one leader, there is only One we follow, whether He walks toward a dry and thirsty land, a roaring fire, or beside the still waters, we are to follow. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.” “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
