Enduring
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers: 2 But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.4 The wicked are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous; But the way of the wicked shall perish.
Psalms 1:1-6 (ASV)
12 And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold. 13 But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.
Matt 24:12-13 (ASV)
With the popularity and increased usage of community websites there have been reconnections with many people from the past. An integral part of participation on the sites is the exposure of feelings, activities, and photos. While it has been great to reconnect and renew relationships with those that are still so dear to the heart, there have also been disappointments as many who once appeared to have been close to the Father in their conversation and lifestyle are apparently in a state of separation from Him in their chosen behaviors. We are most certainly all in need of the grace and mercy of God on a daily basis, and it is not given to us to judge any. But, from the passages above there is an understanding that there is a long, fruitful life of abundance that is promised to those who choose the way of righteousness, while the way of the wicked has an undesirable result.
Somewhere through the passage of life, the challenges of relationships and the enticements of the world, there seems to be a natural tendency for ‘iniquity’ to increase along with a decreased love and passion for the presence of God. Considering how wonderful is His provision of life and how faithful He is to gratify every time His way is chosen, it brings great sadness to the heart to discover that there has been a lack of endurance in so many and a choice of temporal worldly gratification over the eternal significance of a God relationship. Although His grace is more than sufficient to restore and salvation is an ever present opportunity, the simple choices of life that may not appear to be all that wrong in themselves, have a power to lead a heart away from the only place of safety from the inevitable consequence of wickedness. It’s at the Father’s side that real living is known with a joy and happiness that carries no eventual regret and sorrow. With every yielding to His holiness is a reception of peace and confidence that no other choice can bring.
For so many that have been drawn away may there be an awakening this day to their misdirection, and may the goodness of God be seen as the clearly superior choice with the far greater reward and promise of fulfillment. And, let those who have found their place in Christ endure the deception of every lure of the flesh that would loosen the embrace of the only One who is true life and peace.