Perilous Times

I read a thought provoking article about why we won’t experience an armed revolution in America. The author gives three main reasons.

Government agencies have greater fire power, thanks to secretive efforts to stock up and because of the military’s technological advances. This makes getting into a fire fight a losing venture. Don’t give in to the attempts to provoke violence. That’s what they want.

Second, we’ve allowed this to happen because we’re willing slaves. We don’t question the increasing surveillance brought about by our online activities, including video games on smart phones, and incentives like supermarket loyalty cards. We welcome a strong military and police force to keep us safe.

Finally, we love our video games, music, movies and all that entertains us. We’re out of touch with reality.

I find this to be very sad and discouraging. But according to the author, we can turn things around–if we’ll just have a change of heart.

I see this as very unlikely. The Scriptures tell us of increased selfishness and a falling away from the truth. We live in what the Bible calls perilous times.

They’re perilous not because of wars and provoked terrorism. Instead, they’re perilous because people all around us are blatantly brutish and evil.

Here’s what the apostle Paul told Timothy to expect.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 says…

1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4. Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

In Luke 21 Jesus answers questions from His disciples about when the kingdom would come. What would happen first?

Luke 21:34-36 says…

34. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
35. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Why would Jesus warn His disciples not to over eat, get drunk or be taken over by the cares of this present world? Because He knew that’s what would happen to many, particularly among unbelievers. This is an admonition not to be like the rest of the world.

And, of course, while living separated lives, watch and pray.

To those of us who are followers of Christ, I ask, Can we do that?

It’s easier said than done.