“…for the mystery of lawlessness is already at work.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7

Live Well

We live in a world that is cursed and fallen. Evil walks the planet. ISIS perpetrates brutal acts on the helpless. Riots in our streets destroy and divide us. Sex trafficking has rooted itself in our own city. Drug addiction is prevalent. Pornography is readily available. Abortion continues to steal away the potential and promise of the unborn. Sadly, the list goes on.

Second Timothy 3:1 tells us, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” One day a man of sin will arise and not only be accepted, but will be embraced by this world (2 Thessalonians 2:3). He will exalt himself above God and demand to be worshiped.

And yet in the midst of all this darkness, all these depressing plagues, and the seeming wantonness of our day, the Light still shines and for those looking for truth, it can still be found. True believers still live and pray and worship and do good works to the glory of God. Despite the rumor, God is not dead. We raise our kids, love our husbands, see God working in our lives, and are encouraged and comforted by answered prayers.

The battle rages on. Evil fights righteousness. Truth confronts deception. Lawlessness storms against the obedience of the humble.

Yes, things are coming to a head. There will be a cataclysmic showdown between good and evil. It will be epic. And in that Day the man of sin will be destroyed with the brightness of the coming of our God and he will be consumed with the very breath of the Holy One. All those who did not love the truth will be forever lost. All those who had pleasure in wickedness will be eternally condemned.

For now, we still live in time and space. We still make free will choices. This time in history is a time of harvest. Let us not waste this fleeting opportunity. Let us live our lives fully, boldly, abundantly in praise and prayer and worship of our magnificent God. Let us be the church, the beacon, the Body of Christ in the here and now. This present evil should not defeat or discourage us, but rather let these days spur us on to be the people of God’s love and grace in this dying world. While there is yet time, let us live to the glory of God. We have a living hope!

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work” (2 Thessalonians 2:16).

Carry on, true believer.

Father, fill us afresh with Your Spirit and revive us again. We will live magnanimously and magnificently to the glory of Your great name. Amen.