Encouraged!

Encouraged!

and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:24‭-‬25 KJV

The Inspiration:

The world is at a critical stage of its existence. The inhabitants of the world have always been selfish and self-centred, but things seem to be getting worse in these end times. We seem to discover new ways of being extremely wicked to other people, developing weapons of mass destruction. Hatred of and bitterness to other people now seem to be the order of the day. Well, it would not be a surprise if the people of the world did these things, but it will be the shocker if those that should know better are the ones who then engage in these things. How would the world know the right way to act if it is not shown the right way? It is important that those who know and have the truth lay it out, promote and live by it on a daily basis, so the world can have the right examples to emulate. Two of these truths are love and good works, noting that the word AND connects both, signifying that both cannot be separated. 

The Contention:

How can I claim to love people if there is no external evidence in support? The real proof of love is first internal, before it is seen or felt on the external. My life flows out with what I have inside of me. I could pretend for a while, but because fruit is physical, the truth about what is in me will be revealed. People know they are loved by the actions of other people. For me, the questions then are: "Do I truly love people the way God wants me to"? "Are there fruits of 'good works' in my life that prove that I really love the way God wants me to"? It is not so much what people say first, but what God desires. Once I get the God-perspective right, every other thing will be right. This is why coming together in fellowship also becomes an experience I look forward to, because it is another oppourtunity to flow out with all that God has deposited inside me. What kind of fruits is my life producing at the moment?

The Conclusion:

Things will not always be like these. Yes, they may get worse, but the world, as we know it now, has an expiry date. Every day God allows is a day closer to the Day, when all of us must stand before God for judgment. We have got to prepare for that day the right way, and it is only by allowing God work in me that I can be truly prepared for that day. My life, and the lessons God teaches me, must encourage other people to also seek to know and follow God. Together with other people of like faith in God, we come together for mutual strengthening, exhorting and encouraging one another on this journey of life, and then we go out to impact the world around us. The day draws near when all of these things will come to an end; how are we preparing? Can my inner life and outer impact stand the test of God's judgement on the day He returns? Today must be the day to get it right. God's time of favour is here.