The world appears to be driven by opinion polls and statistics. Currently in the United Kingdom we have been informed of the latest statistics stating there has been a substantial decline in the number of people identifying themselves as Christians. The reporter concludes, based on the statistics result, that the United Kingdom can no longer be defined as a Christian country.
The reporter was ignorant of the fact that the Kingdom of God is not about statistics. Where are statistics relevant in the following examples?: Jesus gave the parable of the lost sheep. The good Shepherd left his 99 sheep and went into the mountains to seek out the one that had gone astray, (Matthew 18: 11-14). In the parable of the labourers in the vineyard, a man works all day and yet receives the same wages as men who have worked less hours, (Matthew 20: 1-16). Where do statistics make sense in the Lord requiring Gideon’s army of 32,000 men to be reduced to 300, in order to perform God’s purpose? (Judges 7).
God is not governed by men’s statistics and opinions! They have no relevance in the kingdom of God. Worldwide calamities are occurring, the times are getting darker, just as Jesus predicted in Matthew 24. He described world events that would take place at the beginning of “the end”, encouraging us to watch, be ready, be wise and faithful. Jesus is returning soon.
Proverbs 4: 18-19 “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness, they know not at what they stumble”.
God’s word declares His light in us will shine brighter. His word negates all the world’s statistics. As long as we are walking with God, according to His order, we will experience the fulfilment, and purpose, God has for each of us.
We have all heard the global agendas of Climate Change. It is important to be good stewards of the planet and all God has blessed us with, but there is no place for us to fear of government forebodings when God has promised: “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease”. (Genesis 8:22) The elements will burn up in God’s time, (2Peter 3: 10-13). Only what He says is true. When the media attempts to dictate to us what we should be thinking, it is important for us as Believers to find out what God ‘s word says, refusing to be conformed to the world’s views. We are not of this world and it’s kingdom. Romans 12: 2 “And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God”.
In such tumultuous times it behoves us to be diligent in adhering to what God declares. Proverbs 4:23 “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life”. Guard your heart. I am responsible as the gatekeeper of my heart to allow God’s truths and peace to rule there. Anything that disturbs that peace should serve as a warning to allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten me as to the cause of such that requires attention.
2 Peter 3: 10-13 prophesies the end of all things, in God’s timing. Verse 14 then encourages us:”Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of Him in peace, without spot and blameless”.
Let us therefore be diligent, not negligent, allowing God to have the final word inspite of public opinion, family or friends. Let God be true in our heart, mind and attitude to others. The light of Jesus Christ in us has the power to dispel the darkness in the world. “…..Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world”. 1 John 4:4.
Jesus said: “Seek and you shall find”. As we search the scriptures to discover what God declares, He will enlighten our understanding. “The entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple”, Psalm 119: 130.
Remember the profound quote: “If you do not set your rhythm for life, the world will set it for you”. Selah.
Photo by Justin Morgan on Unsplash
Amen! We are to appraise all things spiritually testing everything by The Word of God.
God is in control and His Word is faithful and true He is faithful and true
He never fails!