Wake Up

   “And do this because you know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.” (Romans 13: 11)

   Several years ago a radio station I listened to played a short editorial program of about 3-5 minutes each afternoon.  The announcer would identify some area of society or law that he considered to be bad.  He would explain the concept then state, “Wake Up, America!”  At that point he would list all the reasons that the law or custom was wrong-headed.  It was usually good for a few laughs and many times made a lot of sense.

   I think it is time for us to say, “Wake Up Christians!” and begin to address the evils permeating our society.  We look around and see evil throughout society; evil being ignored by most everyone.  Approximately 45% of all marriages end in divorce.  In some places as many or even more babies are killed by abortion than born.  Young men are being killed by the thousands every year in some cities.  Even our churches seem to have ignored the evil in society and in some cases within the church itself.  There’s certainly enough evil in our world to warrant a wake-up call.

   When we look at the lives of Jesus, the apostles, and those of faith throughout history we see them confronting evil, not ignoring it.  Our Lord, all but one of the apostles and numerous martyrs were put to death for standing up for what is right and denouncing what is wrong.  Even today, there are those who are severely persecuted and even put to death for their faith.

   As Christians we have a responsibility.  We weren’t called to a life of ease and pleasure; we were called to a life of faith.  There will be crosses we must bear, suffering we must endure in this life.  If I am to suffer I prefer to suffer and even die because I had the faith and courage to stand up for God.  Paul said, “For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.” (Phil 1: 21).  We should never seek harm or death, but we should be willing to endure both for Jesus, who died for us.

   There are so many ways to stand for God.  The best way is to live our life according to God’s will for us.  Whether we ever do anything great in the eyes of the world our lives can have an impact on others.  If living our life in a Godly manner encourages just one person to seek God and salvation it has been worthwhile.  If we are recognized as great in earthly terms but live our life without God, we are a failure.  Only through our lives and the way we live them can we affect society and perhaps make our little corner of the world a better, more faithful place.

   “Get away Satan!  It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.”  (Matt 4: 10)