As many of you know, with the current pandemic (Covid-19); the effects of Global Warming; extreme fanaticism, and cultural unrest - the entire World has moved in to a paradigm shift in such a manner that many have no clue where we stand on the timeline of the Return of Christ. Many will say in their hearts that we've had these events occur before, yet where is the "promise of His Coming?" (2 Peter 3:4)
Today - Tuesday; September 8, 2020, I was at my place of work and noticed a huge line of employee's awaiting to be administered a free flu shot. About a week prior a mandate was sent by leadership informing those employed that flu shots were "mandatory" and a "condition of employment." As I viewed this long line of employee's I thought to myself....
wow - it will probably be like this when a mandate is given to take a "mark" to either: buy, or sell - perhaps even to maintain a job.
As I proceeded throughout my work day, I began to wonder about man's fate. How in this Fallen World many are so deceived - this verse of Scripture came to mind:
Matthew 6:19-24 - NASB
19) Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21) for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22) “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. 23) But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
24) “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth
I've met many Christians who believe we have a responsibility to assist God in establishing His Eternal Kingdom by some sort of man-directed intervention such as voting; protests; war; enacting laws ....etc - sometimes even prayer; or ushering in certain events they control believing they are doing with "will of thus sayeth the Lord" through their own imagination. Well - I happen to wholeheartedly disagree with this line of thinking - as I know God is in Control of everything - from the hairs numbered on your head (Luke 12:7) to the sparrow not being able to fall to the ground without the knowledge of God. (Matthew 10:29)
What shall we do then as Christians some may ask...….?
Scripture commands us to lead a "quiet life;" - "minding our own business" (1 Thessalonians 4:11)
Yet many want to feel that they are in Control; or God needs our help (reminds me of Abraham "feeling" he needed to assist God by bearing a child with his Servant - when the promise was through his wife Sarah.)
So as I continued to watch all those standing in line - I wondered.... are they getting this flu shot as a condition of employment? Or perhaps because they fear getting the flu in combination with Covid-19; or are they just simply following others blindly without questioning what has been mandated? Throughout the day, I observed the employees back and forth in the flu shot line like humming birds back and forth at a feeder. Someone asked me if I was going to get the flu shot? I didn't respond, as it's none of their business.
The point I'm trying to make with this scenario is there will come a time such as this when a decision has to be made.... will man worship God or Mammon?
Here is an additional verse of Scripture to consider:
2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 - NASB
8) Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9) that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10) and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11) For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, 12) in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.
I think we have to put our relationship with Christ and our relationship with the World into perspective. Do we worship the World, follow it's influences in order to eat; maintain a job; house; car; a certain standard of life - thus worshiping Mammon.....?
Or... do we put our total Faith in God; lead a quiet life - having a relationship with Christ in such a manner we fast; pray; worship; care for others - the widows; the poor; the handicap; the simple minded - therefore storing our treasures in Heaven, and not putting our hope in anything man can do?
This follow-up passage of Scripture came to mind:
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 - NASB
13) But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14) It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15) So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
16) Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, 17) comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.
And:
1 Corinthians 7:23 - NASB
23) You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
And:
1 Chronicles 29:15 - NASB
15) For we are sojourners before You, and tenants, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope.
However, we have our Blessed Hope - who shall Appear, and we will be with Him Forever.