Matthew 24:12
“And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold.”
Jesus is telling His disciples about the end times. Many horrible things will happen. He speaks of people betraying their friends and loved ones. He also says that all will hate us on account of His name.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 says, “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these.” Wow. This is frightening. I see some of that today. Our society is divided. Some are killing others and are happy to do so. Many inwardly cheer these actions. A common saying in our culture used to be, “I don’t agree with you, but I will fight to the death your right to say it.” At least forty percent of the people don’t agree with it now a days.
All of these things will cause christians to stick out. We are walking with Christ and are loving others. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such away that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” In the dark world we are to be lights.
While we are to be loving, Jesus warns us to be wise. He says in Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” With wisdom we learn not to trust everyone. I’m reminded of world war II and how some in Europe were hiding jews. They were shrewd with who they could trust. Unfortunately many were found out.
Lord, help us to be loving, but also to be wise in whom we can trust. Thank You that You are with us. Even if we lose our lives You are with us.