...and it continues. People will be drinking and dancing; making war and imitating love; buying, selling, claiming, and denouncing...before many of us vanish. Even afterwards when those who understood why we disappeared will be very vocal about the reason, to the point of martyrdom; people will still be drinking and dancing; making war and imitating love; buying, selling, claiming, and denouncing.
It's popular to talk about the Rapture in this sense, because it allows for us Christian cats to drum up a ministry for those "lost ones". You know, preach the goodness of Jesus to the ends of the earth, right? Interestingly enough, Jesus said everybody who always brings up His Name will be right along with the so called lost ones....being lost (Matthew 7:21-23). Hmmmm.....
I have a Facebook friend (we'll call her Jane) who ran into a little snag with her account. In display of her usual care-free and fun image she posted a picture of some cartoon characters having sex. One of her friends took offense to the photo and reported it to the social media giant, who proceeded to shut Jane's account down for about a week. When Jane came back on the scene, she re-debuted with a post informing everyone the reason behind her absence. I was somewhat shocked to see that 100% of the responses that followed criticized the unknown friend who reported the obscene picture and supported Jane's vulgarity. I was moved to ask Jane if I could write about this, clearly informing her on my Christian standpoint and assuring her that I was in no way attempting to smear her reputation. With unexpected kindness, she not only agreed but she seemed, well, intrigued about me having a take on the situation. Her response directed me to think about the difference between a person being so-called lost and the person determining not to follow. The later brings my concern towards the young and the seasoned Christian.
Most of us would identify Jane as the "lost one". The person who really doesn't know God and definitely doesn't know Jesus; and we would confirm our [likely accurate] judgment with the actions we can see from her. Then we would super-spiritual it up and call that her "bearing of fruit." Due to this accusation, we may mark her for earthly residence after the Rapture--because she is deceived, believing lies. But as I thought of that over these few days, Matthew 7:21-23 kept jumping in my brain. And as I began to piece this together, the sharp point came to me with the words the Will of My Father.
Jesus declares that everyone who says to Him Lord, Lord (whether it's the water-cooler preacher or the praise team worship leader) won't reach the kingdom of heaven. It will only be those who actual back up that 'Lord, Lord' screaming with matching actions that's gonna make it in. Why? Well, what do words mean if there aren't coinciding actions to validate what comes out of the mouth? Uh...they're worthless. So let's make this simple, if the Word of God confirms respecting authority and you (the word 'you' used figuratively) are disrespecting your boss, are you doing the will of Jesus' Father? If you are dishonoring your husband or wife; or your parents...is the will of Jesus' Father going on there?
Yeah I know, you were called to be a minister, and not necessarily a preacher. 'Cause the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37); I got you. But that doesn't mean the actions that you still execute that are not driven by the Spirit are excusable and can persist. It also doesn't mean that one neglects the obvious directives in the Bible to get to the visibly-fruitful, more admired assignments. Contrarily, I tend to believe that awesome ministry you were separated for requires frequent self-evaluation and assessment for two reasons: One, you have to ensure you are being consistently guided by the Holy Spirit and two, you must review if your motives are appropriate. It would suck for Rapture time to hit and Jesus say to you, "yeah I heard you on the stage but you did that all for you, not for Me." That, my friends, would leave you deceived to death.
Peace
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