S)"12 Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold."
Matthew 24:12 (NASB)
O) This verse reminds me of Psalm 119, where the laws and statutes of God are regarded with genuine affection. There's a certain parallel in the respect of authority and obedience, and the ability to love. One element that comes quickly to mind is that, in the absence of law, everything is done in selfishness, and selfishness is poisonous to love. On the flip-side, the ability to obey and the ability to respect law requires humility, which is nurishing to love.
A) In this verse, Jesus is speaking of the end-times and while it's always been said that, "We are nearing the end-times" and others scoff, it's always been true. We're simply getting closer and closer. That's the problem with some people being convinced of some global expiration date. Every time a man calls himself a Christian and also declares God told him the date the world will end, it makes every Christian seem like they're not coloring with a full box of crayons... It's a progressive thing, that we're nearing the end-times. All I have to do is look at the love of most and see how warm it is - or how cold. Jesus also mentions wars, earthquakes, famines, and global disasters. All of those also seem to be increasing, but the love grown cold is the only one I can directly affect. The verse says, "most people's love" not everyone, then. Not me. Not my children. By choosing to love God's ways over my own, I will preserve the warmth of love in my life. I will teach my children to do the same.
P) Father, Your ways are truly good and perfect. Your commands bring life and prosperity. Your discipline brings righteousness and good character. Father, I want only Your ways to rule in my life. Holy Spirit, continue to speak to me and shape me into the man I'm called to be. For the sake of preserving warm love in my life, let me always place Your statutes above all other priorities in my life, LORD. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Wow...this was a really good soap Nic! I too choose to Love God's way! Thanks for always sharing your soap! =)
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