Day 2706 of the 7 day Bible verse challenge.

Ezekiel 22:30 NIV

In these evil times in which we're living in this warped and twisted generation, I'm afraid that it's all too easy to assume defeat and refuse to try. We see so much going the wrong way and so many completely enamored by it all that I think many of us start to wonder just how much we can do that makes any difference. How can we make a difference in a world that's adamant that it doesn't want to be different than it is? If we stand up against the filth and depravity, what impact will it have when the masses are completely happy in the downfall?

Wouldn't it just be easier to turn our focus inward and live out the rest of our time on this earth quietly flying under the radar of the violent and angry that seem to be growing in number?

Well, yeah, that would be easier. But it also wouldn't be who God calls us to be. As I mentioned yesterday, if we don't speak up against the sinful issues that we see in this world, then not only are we not helping fix the problems, but we are in fact contributing to the growth of those problems. If we don’t call out the sins of this world then those who are unknowingly lost within that darkness will sadly stay there, completely oblivious to the fact that they’re doing something that leads to death. You see, a leak in a boat doesn't get smaller or stop letting in water just because the person who notices it chooses not to say anything. Same thing applies to sin and wickedness. It's not going to go away unless we boldly start pointing out the flaws that are sinking humanity's ship.

But my question for you is what are you doing with this message we have? What are you doing with this faith you claim to live by? What are you doing with the time God has given you and the opportunities with which He has filled it?

Maybe most importantly, where do your true allegiances lie? Are they with the world or with the Father?

You see, as much as we would prefer to ignore it, times are getting worse and evil is growing in ways and in places that I think many of us are somewhat hesitant to believe. Now sure, we claim that we're personally walking by faith along the path set before us by our Savior that requires continued repentance and daily humility. So for the sake of time, let's just assume that's the case and we have ourselves in check and are doing our best to live the kind of lives that Christ called us to live through His sacrifice on the cross.

But what about the world around us. There are so many problems that it's almost hard to notice them all. But it's even harder to notice them all when we allow ourselves to adopt this extremely common mindset of blissful ignorance that feeds our complacency and requires absolutely nothing from us. And again, that water just keeps pouring in because it's not being addressed out of fear of those who would hate us for pointing out the underlying issue that's eventually going to lead to the eternal demise of many in this place.

What's becoming even scarier in my opinion is the fact that there are some out there preaching this message that is fully designed to make people feel good about the way things are. It's carefully crafted to just glance off the topic of sin while spending the majority of time focused on using religion as means to the ends that we crave as humans. Health, wealth, happiness, and popularity have become the idols in which not only society but even facets of the church are focused upon serving.

So it leaves me to wonder what God sees when He looks down here. I have no doubt that He's completely aware of the problems and struggles and failures and weaknesses and rampant sin that's overrunning our hearts and infecting our culture. I know that He sees everything and therefore knows about evils and filth that we couldn't imagine actually existing in this world because our minds only allow ourselves to focus on the good. But does He see anyone willing to help? Does He see anyone willing to be different than the herd? Does He see soldiers of faith or simply those who cater to corruption?

Sadly, I think we’ve pretty much reached the point when we must admit that those bold, brave, courageous, unrelenting, unafraid, and unashamed soldiers of Christianity are diminishing in number. I'm afraid that the fear of man is on the rise and the courage to stand upon a truth that confronts those who are angry and violent and who desire to remain lost is sadly on the decline. So again I ask, what are you doing with this faith you claim to have? Because in many ways, the answer to that question tells us a whole lot about what our faith really is and just how much it means to us.

I'll ask an even scarier question that I hope you'll ponder upon: What does God see when He looks at you?

You see, just because evil is on the rise, that doesn't mean that God has stopped looking for those He can use to make a difference. Just because the hearts of many are growing ever colder doesn't mean that He too has given up and is simply willing to allow all of humanity to peacefully enjoy the ride toward eternal misery. No, He's still seeking those who are willing to stand in the gap and try. He's still using those who give Him their undivided hearts and unbridled attention with an unfailing faith in His will. He's still working in this place, but are you letting Him work through you?

The fact is that no, we may not be able to make much of an impact. We may not be able to change a million minds or save a thousand souls. We may not be able to turn the hearts of very many at all away from sin back toward the Son. We may not see any changes whatsoever in our efforts to spread the Good News and live lives of decency and morality and compassion in a world that has very little of that kind of thing left or really any interest in seeking them again. But if we’re willing to stay quiet and not rock this sinking ship because we doubt in God's ability to have an impact through our willingness to try, then I'm afraid we're giving more credence to the fear of man than the power of God.

Friends, the fact is that the gaps are growing between God and humanity. The path toward hell is growing increasingly crowded as many fall further away from the call to righteousness found in the cross. And the road toward life seems to be narrowing and growing more sparsely travelled. But that's not our cue to give up and accept defeat. It's not our excuse to tweak this message in order to reel more people into believing nothing more than some religious lie with devious undertones and intentions that are simply focused on numbers rather than sincere salvation. It's not a reason to doubt, to quit, to throw in the towel on those who still have a chance at eternal peace.

It is truly time to stand up, step out, and let God do what only He can do through our willingness to try. Much like the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, the disaster may be unavoidable at this point, and in all honesty, with as much sin and wickedness as there is in this place, we shouldn't expect to change the world. Sadly too many people have chosen their path and will never turn off of it no matter how many warnings are issued or how kindly we present the message of Christ or great the coffee is that we serve at a fancy church building. But still, there are people in this place who are worn and weary and desperate for a change and for freedom from the weight of sin and shame they’ve been carrying, and they deserve our willingness to fight to to make sure they know they have the chance to accept the gift of salvation before God has finally had enough and unleashes the fury this place has fully earned.

Are you willing to stand in the gap between this world and our Father? Are you willing to stand upon the truth of God's Word and refuse to give up trying to help people find the peace it brings? Are you willing to build a wall where those who are hurting and desperate to change can find refuge from the evil in this place? Are you willing to let God work through you even though it will likely mean a whole lot of hatred and strife and potentially very little evidence of any impact? Are you willing to stand your ground on the right side of faith, look evil in the eyes, and not cower at the persecution that's coming?

Like it or not, as I've been talking about a lot here lately, I really do believe things will get worse in the coming days. If we don't start strengthening our faith, building our courage, and finding that inner lion that refuses to go down without a fight, then we will succumb to the pressure we're sure to face. For too long, too many have approached the idea of faith as something akin to a theory, a hope, an ideal that likely won't actually require us to suit up and fight. But friends, we're approaching a breaking point and the Bible tells us clearly what the final days will be like. Are you ready for that, or are you still believing that you'll manage to get out here before it all falls apart?

My point is that bold and courageous people of faith are needed now more than ever because the trajectory of society is pointed straight at everything warped and wicked and eventually God's going to say enough is enough and set things right. We have to do everything we can to help as many as we can find their way to the lifeline He's given us in Christ before that day comes. Stop living in fear. Stop living in doubt. Stop sitting on the sidelines and get yourself in the game before what we've long assumed was a long way off is no longer something relegated to the future.

What does God see when He looks at you? If it's not an unrelenting soldier then you should ask yourself exactly what it is that your faith means and what it is that you're giving back to the One who gave everything for you.

He created us to be warriors who don't run, don't cower, and don't bow to the wicked no matter how numerous are and how depraved they may become. Because in the end, each of us are lifeboats in this world that's sinking into the dark. If we row up to Heaven's shore without any passengers, then what have we done with such a beautiful message as the Gospel?

#LeaveNoSoulUntold