“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.”
The word of God in Luke 21:34-35, written over 2000 years ago, prophesied to the struggle that generations would face in pursuing the virtues of Christian living. Fast forward to the 21st century. Newark is in one of the most technologically advanced societies and the most densely populated states in the United States. This is the reality of the environment of a BLD disciple, and this message is more urgent and critical than ever.
The word of God in Luke 21:34-35, written over 2000 years ago, prophesied to the struggle that generations would face in pursuing the virtues of Christian living. Fast forward to the 21st century. Newark is in one of the most technologically advanced societies and the most densely populated states in the United States. This is the reality of the environment of a BLD disciple, and this message is more urgent and critical than ever.
We are constantly surrounded by distractions and demands on our time and attention. Christianity is being assaulted from all directions, and media is controlled by the god of profit so that media content is often contrary to Christian values. There are no more boundaries that keep technology from intruding into our thoughts every minute of the day. Even in our sleep we are connected to others through our electronic gadgets. Our children barely sleep as text messages clamor for their attention in the middle of the night.
Our situation brings to mind the story about the schemes of the Enemy to keep Christians busy in the nonessentials of life, to invent innumerable distractions to occupy our minds and to divert us from maintaining a vital connection with Jesus as we live our daily lives. The words in Luke 21:34-35 are a critical warning to all Christians that our enemy is constantly prowling to ensnare us, to remove us from our source of Life. The Lord knows our shortcomings and struggles, and He gives us the grace to bear our burdens and to walk in His way of holiness. We should be actively seeking God. He expects us to be actively watching for His coming and praying specifically for the strength to persevere in the faith and to endure trials that come our way.
Lord help us to live out the rest of our lives watching, praying, living courageously and boldly for You so that on that day, we might stand before the Son of Man without shame.
Our situation brings to mind the story about the schemes of the Enemy to keep Christians busy in the nonessentials of life, to invent innumerable distractions to occupy our minds and to divert us from maintaining a vital connection with Jesus as we live our daily lives. The words in Luke 21:34-35 are a critical warning to all Christians that our enemy is constantly prowling to ensnare us, to remove us from our source of Life. The Lord knows our shortcomings and struggles, and He gives us the grace to bear our burdens and to walk in His way of holiness. We should be actively seeking God. He expects us to be actively watching for His coming and praying specifically for the strength to persevere in the faith and to endure trials that come our way.
Lord help us to live out the rest of our lives watching, praying, living courageously and boldly for You so that on that day, we might stand before the Son of Man without shame.