The Bride Dressed In Gray

These are turbulent times in our world. It seems that having a civilized conversation is a thing of the past. The term to “disagree agreeably” no longer has a definition in our modern day culture. I rarely watch a full newscast anymore. I also spend less and less time on social media. Why? As crude as this may sound; I find that listening to news no matter what the source, is much like trying to eat a hamburger with bird poop on it. What I mean is that at one time it was a perfectly good hamburger, (truth.) However, the bird poop (opinions and agenda) has poisoned it to the point of being unrecognizable and a threat to my health.

I am not writing this to start a debate platform. I am merely speaking from observation.

There is something else that I find even more disheartening. Fear and anger have become so rampant that it is hard to determine who is a follower of Jesus Christ and who is not. It is unbelievable the “Christian” debates over things that have nothing to do with the Great Commission (Mark 16:15)
When we’re not debating, it seems, we are wringing our hands over current events or natural disasters. “What should we do?… What’s going to happen?!”…

My friends, where and when does God’s Word come into play?

”And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” Mark 13:7-8

As followers of Jesus, how would we answer the following question:

“How far would I be willing to travel to…”

Shop at my favorite store?
Attend a concert by my favorite singer or band?
Watch my favorite professional sports team play?
Spend a week at my dream vacation destination?
Attend an event my child was participating in?
Visit a relative or friend in the hospital?
Go to a church where I would grow spiritually and have a community with like-minded believers?

I know for myself those questions cause a sobering reflection. The obvious purpose of answering them is to identify our priorities. If we are honest before God, we would all say we have work to do.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 6:33

God’s Word is and always has been the only source of strength, power, victory, and peace we will ever need.

“History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.” Ecclesiastes 1:9

In a complicated world, it can be difficult to apply the simple Gospel. But, remember this, Jesus Christ has already done the hard (complicated) part. Our job is to trust Him. God is not surprised at the evil that is lurking around every corner. He has already defeated it (Colossians 2:15.) We have work to do. There are fields of souls that are ready for harvest (Matthew 9:37.) As the Church, we are called the bride of Christ. In essence, we are in a time of engagement. We should be preparing for the day Jesus (the bridegroom) comes back for us. If we’re not careful, we will become caught up in the cares of life. We will enter into a slow fade of conforming to the views and habits of the world. The result will leave us with no voice and no hope. Instead of being a light, we will have become one with the world and enter into a dangerous and weak place spiritually.

“..And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. But the wise replied, There will not be enough for us and for you; go instead to the dealers and buy for yourselves. But while they were going away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were prepared went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came and said, Lord, Lord, open the door to us! But He replied, I solemnly declare to you, I do not know you [I am not acquainted with you]. Watch therefore give strict attention and be cautious and active, for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man will come.” Matthew 25:4-13

There IS still hope for this World, my friends. His name is Jesus. He has not forgotten us. He will never leave us. And someday soon, He will return.

“With perfect peace, you will protect those whose minds cannot be changed, because they trust you. Trust the Lord always, because the Lord, the Lord alone, is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:3-5