Christians in America and other countries have long been able to claim the name of Christ without bearing the evidence of transformation. But I believe this season is fast coming to an end. Claiming to be a Christian while living like an unbeliever is becoming increasingly impossible. Our choices now demand a clear and visible divide between those washed in the Blood of Christ and those washed in the Wokeness of self-centeredness.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people."*
Scripture highlights the tension present in both the church and society. Despite professing Christianity, many individuals demonstrate contradictory behavior, prioritizing self-love over love for God. This outward appearance of righteousness lacks genuine inner change. In the face of worldly challenges, it becomes evident who authentically follows Christ and who merely adopts the Christian identity.
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"*
This passage reminds us that mere profession of faith—saying "Lord, Lord"—without living in obedience to Christ's commands will no longer be enough. The decisions we face today reveal the true believers—those who live not only by words but by the transforming power of Christ in their actions.
Application to Current Events:
1. **Cultural Shifts**: In America and globally, we see a shift in how society views morality, truth, and justice. Whether it's issues surrounding marriage, sexuality, identity, or life itself, Christians are being forced to take a stand. The days of riding the fence, where one can claim Christ on Sunday and blend in with the world Monday through Saturday, are over. Society is forcing a choice. Either live in the truth of God's Word or conform to the prevailing ideologies of self-indulgence and personal autonomy. For example:
- **Cultural Morality**: Many societal movements today, including those surrounding identity and self-expression, promote individualism to such an extent that they deny any higher authority, including God's design for humanity. The challenge to the church is clear: Will we bow to popular opinion, or will we stand firm on God's unchanging truth?
- **Religious Freedom and Persecution**: In various countries, Christians are facing increasing hostility. Standing for Biblical truth is no longer popular—it's costly. It's becoming clear who is willing to pay the price to follow Christ and who is not. Even in America, Christian values are often mocked, and holding a Biblical worldview is seen as intolerant or outdated. This persecution is drawing a line between those who truly live for Christ and those who claim His name.
The Choice Before Us:
The decisions we make today are stark. Will we stand with Christ, no matter the cost, or will we continue to live for ourselves? This is not merely a matter of personal preference—it's a matter of life and death. Jesus said in **Matthew 10:38-39**, *"Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it."*
For too long, the church has tolerated a diluted form of Christianity, where individuals can claim to follow Christ without embracing the challenges that come with it. However, the current worldly challenges require a definitive choice. Are we willing to be committed disciples of Christ, purified by His sacrifice, or will we prioritize our desires, entangled in a superficial version of Christianity that lacks true transformative power?
Illustration:
Consider the analogy of refining gold. Heating gold causes impurities to surface, which can then be removed, resulting in pure gold. Similarly, the current challenges are exposing genuine followers of Christ, who His sacrifice has purified. False beliefs and self-centeredness are being eliminated, revealing a core group of faithful believers.
Call to Action:
This is not the time for complacency. **Joshua 24:15** tells us, *"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."* We must decide to live fully for Christ, walking in holiness and obedience, or risk being exposed as false believers.
Let us live as the authentic, blood-bought children of God, reflecting the evidence of our Salvation in every choice we make.
**Prayer and Altar Call:**
If you have any areas of self-centeredness or compromise in your life, now is the time to bring them to the cross. Surrender them to Christ and allow His blood to cleanse and transform you. The time is short, and the dividing line is clear.
I aim for this message to strike a chord with both the devoted followers and those facing challenges in practicing their faith amidst a world that is growing more hostile, achieved through the use of Scripture and addressing contemporary societal pressures.
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