BECAUSE INIQUITY SHALL ABOUND...

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                                   BECAUSE INIQUITY SHALL ABOUND…

                                                  (For the local newspaper)

 

      Jesus said that in the last days, “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”  The warnings Jesus gave us as to what is coming down the pike is utterly serious. Instead of focusing on the drama of the Last Days, at this time I’d rather address a most critical issue regarding it – the danger of the hardening of our heart, wherein our love can wax cold.

  The Last Days are referring to the End Times before Jesus returns.

Iniquity is unbridled sinful, or lawless behavior. Lawlessness means a disregard for the Laws of God. Again, this encompasses anything that the Bible condemns as evil or sinful: lying, stealing, greed, idolatry, dishonoring our parents, blasphemy, sexual immorality, murder, sorcery - including drugs…and so on.

  But what about those of us whom Jesus has set free from the slavery of the lawless deeds of the world, what is our concern? (This is not in disregard to our fallibility toward sin of any kind). Up front there are at least two concerns - the impact of iniquity, and the snare of self-righteousness,

 Let me clarify this. Iniquity or sinful behavior is not only an action, but an impacting force. In its wake it can leave a wave of injustice, hurt, and destruction. Typically, the quickest reactions by those thereby affected are bitterness, resentment, anger, and hate. How, outside of Christ, can we escape such pain and temptations? Be assured, by faith in Jesus we can forgive, be healed, and love!

  The second snare we face is something that Jesus fought constantly – self-righteousness. Jesus gave an example of two men that went up to pray, a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee in his prayer praised his ‘good deeds’ and despised the sinfulness of the tax collector. The tax collector could only pray, “God be merciful to me, the sinner!” Jesus said that it was this man that went away justified before God, and not the other. When we attempt to please God by our works, it is so easy to fall into self-righteousness. Self-righteousness is most readily identified when we despise those who, in our eyes, are not as ‘righteous’ as we think we are. Other indications are: unkindness towards others, and a growing apathy regarding the lost plight and struggles of those in the world around us. Unwittingly, our heart is therein becoming dangerously hardened. Jesus commanded us to love one another as He loved us. We are to watch and pray, and keep ourselves in the love of God. Genuine faith in the work that Jesus accomplished for us on the cross, keeps us humble, knowing that we are all needy sinners without Him. Pride and the love of God are incompatible.

  All this we cannot do on our own, but the choice is ours. So as we await Jesus’ return, expect conditions in this world to worsen. Nevertheless, we need not be alarmed nor be fearful, simply trust God Who is the Final Authority.

  In conclusion, though iniquity will abound, whether now or then, when put to the test, may our faith and love not be found wanting before Him.

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