“Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things.” (Revelation 1:19)
Today’s meditation is a P.S., a postscript, or in the Latin origin a postscriptum. Rather than title it a sequel to yesterday’s topic on “Why So Many Strays,” the Spirit moved me to name it otherwise to make sure I got your attention. For you see He wanted to make sure I communicated a thought that I had omitted.
Correctly I directed to the statement that reads, “If we take off our blinders as Christians, we will clearly see that cultural changes and church initiatives must be seen as imperative courses of action to minimize the number of people that are straying from local churches, congregations, and from a bigger perspective the ecclesia.” However, a continuation of the dialogue was dictated by the Spirit and as the Lord spoke to John in the Book of Revelation, He told me, “Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things.” The outline was clear. It was obvious and my obligation to follow it was definitely from the mind of the Divine.
So being obedient, I will point out that the cultural changes that need to start with you and me, Christians, the called, and committed to the climb believers. Please note that we, our churches, don’t just need to initiate courses of actions by means of organized efforts, but we need to individually, change our behaviors, making certain that we are not the obstacles that open the door to members in the congregation to run out and become one of those who stray. Watch the outline being obediently followed. I. What I have seen is a need to watch how we interact with each other; make sure that we show real love for the brothers and the sisters in Christ, regardless of where they are on the discipleship and sanctification barometer. We have to respond to that individually. II. And, the things that are e points to the fact that many believers who have acknowledge their faith, have lost their zeal and have become apathetic in terms of heeding to Jesus’ charge t for us to be the salt of the earth; perfecting, purifying, preserving, provide a sense of desired flavor for the mission of the church, and to prevent saints from straying.
Oh it’s so much easier to write when the Lord gives you the complete outline! So let me adhere to it by speaking of III: “The things that will take place after these things.” If the church, which includes you and me; if we will look at what I have seen with integrity at “the things which are”, a simple assessment of to what degree we have become relaxed or really in some case idle in regards to our work as a church, certain things will follow: (1) Straying will cease from surging. (2) Saints will not only be retained, but they will realize that they too have a role to play in the growth of the kingdom of God. (3) Departures because of non-Christian behaviors within the body will be non-existent. (4) Somebody will come running, saying, “What must I do to be saved.” These things will take place after we change our behavior and conform to be what Jesus wants us to be. Go out today and remember you identity. You are the Salt of the earth. I’ll do the same. Amen. Let me add one more postscriptum: Be blessed!
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people.” (Matthew 5:13 NASB)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King