Articles
Have We Listened to His Word?
Have We Listened to His Word?
As 2023 continues swiftly passing us by, we all need to use every day as if it might be our last. I wonder, if we knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, what our plans would be for today. He has given us a day to either listen to Him and His Word, or just use our mind and thoughts to go elsewhere. Many around us need to hear His Word, and we can make a difference to get that word out to them. How long since you have talked to your neighbor or close friend about Him and their salvation? God has provided, through His love and mercy, a way for each of us to get to heaven -- and be with Him and His Son for eternity. Have we listened, and obeyed that Plan?
Life today is much different from what it was just 60 or 70 years ago. Different even from what it was just 30 or 40 years ago. I am talking about the culture and life style found in America. Those of us over 70 have seen many changes take place, and I must say many are not for our good. The social and political climate has become so hostile sometimes it's better to turn off the news reports. It used to be divorce and crime in the streets were a rarity. There was respect in schools between teachers and students. But now this seems more a rare situation. Some now call living together out of wedlock and men marrying men, women marrying women another "life style".(remember Romans chapter one) Even young people wanting to change their "gender" is occurring more often. Some parents, teachers in our schools, and the control of the media are all contributing to these changes every day. Its hard to find television shows, and movies worth watching most of the time. Sometimes we say "where are their parents" when seeing situations that cause great concern. Out of control seems more the norm than "self-control".
. "For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations and their foolish heart was darkened.
Professing to be wise, the became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for the image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures." (Romans 1:21-23).
"For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." (Romans 1:25)
"For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error." (Romans 1:26) These teachings Paul sent to the Romans sounds very similar to much of what we see around us today.
God has given us the right prescription for proper marriage, and family life. When we stray away from that, all kinds of problems occur. Our society today, in many ways has done just that. Husbands not taking responsibility for his family, and wife -- many leaving and causing not only stress and great hardship on the family , but also the society. God has given us proper roles to fulfill in each of our stations - husbands, wives, and children. You may have heard is said, "AS GOES THE FAMILY, SO GOES THE NATION." I believe there is great truth to that statement.
Husbands, love your wives, wives be in subjection to your husbands, children respect and obey your parents, in the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22-25). (Colossians 3:18-21) Parents have the direct responsibility to care for and nurture their children--in the discipline (training) and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
The writer of Proverbs gives us an important Truth about how a nation grows and prospers. Also what causes that nations to fail.
"RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION, BUT SIN IS A DISGRACE TO ANY PEOPLE." (Proverbs 14:34) The verse just before this one, says this:
"Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, But in the bosom of fools it is made known". "..fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13f)
When sin is so easily accepted by people, and not regarded as dangerous or serious, a nation will decline and head away from God. God is patient, however He has limits, and we should never test his patience. This lesson has been taught many times over by God's people in the Old Testament. Are we listening? "THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES." (Romans 3:18)
Unless we listen to Him and learn obedience to His Will, the family as well as the nation we live in is headed for trouble. As Christians, we need to do all we can to talk to those around us each day, and teach about Jesus and His Gospel. We have a voice that can be heard, and the need is great. The early Christians did that every day, and so should we. (Acts 8:4)
Please let me close with another important Truth from the Apostle to the Romans: "For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM (HAS FAITH) WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED" For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek for the same Lord is Lord OF ALL, ABOUNDING IN RICHES FOR ALL WHO CALL UPON HIM; for "WHOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED. " . (Romans 10:11-13)
Thank you for a bit of your day today, and may I suggest we each remember to pray for our nation each day, and that His Will be done.
Ross
