Signs of the Times

  by Barbara Latta

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of God, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4).

Sound familiar? All we have to do is pick up a newspaper or watch a television report of the latest happenings and these verses come to life. In the wake of the recent German airliner crash, we are reminded again about the catastrophes that can happen in the earth.

Attitudes are contagious

Attitudes and values, as the above verses portray, are another sign of the end times. This week the news was inundated with the Religious Freedom Laws, particularly in Indiana and Arkansas. Some politicians are caving to the demands of homosexuals because the elected officials think they are being tolerant and fair to all. The truth is when these laws are changed the verbiage will be nothing but another way to persecute Christians; because we will be the only ones NOT protected by the law when it passes.

Jesus will return to earth soon

Even though all these things have been happening to some degree since the beginning of time, never before have we seen such atrocities, catastrophes and blatant hatred as we have in the last decade or two. The clock is ticking and all signs point to the return of Christ and the end of the age as we know it.

But as terrible as these things are we, as the body of Christ, are not to be fearful. Jesus told His disciples when they asked about the signs of the age, to rejoice because it means our redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28).

It would be easy to get discouraged if we let our minds focus on the evil in the world. But our remedy is:

• Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)
• Don’t conform to this world (Romans 12:2)
• Know that He will complete His work in us (Philippians 1:6).

He lives!

We can voice our stand on social issues to our representatives because we do still have that constitutional right. But our elected officials are not our savior. Our faith has to be in God.

The next time you hear an evil report of any kind, shine the light of God’s Word on it and rejoice, look up, and know your redemption is near.

How do you stay focused on God and not the world? Join the conversation and have a Happy Resurrection Day. Because He arose, we are redeemed.