As we continue to watch the world spin out of control, hope and salvation are a short reach— a commitment away from each of us. Make that decision now. The “wars and rumors of war” that Christ spoke of are here (Matthew 24:6). A quick glance over at 1 Timothy 1: 18-32 and 2 Timothy 3: 1-9 leaves little doubt as to what period of history we are entering. Are these the true “end times?” Only God the Father knows, but many signs are pointing to it. Evil is called good, and good is called evil every day in the mainstream media, government, schools, and in some “churches.” (Isaiah 5:20). America, France, England, and many other countries are in turmoil and burning from within under a revolt that leaves some questioning its origin. The worldwide financial meltdown we are experiencing, again, could signal yet another torrent of upheaval ending in Christ’s return.
While I spend much prayer time on those who do not know Christ, it is equally important to clarify Christ’s teaching for those who call themselves Christians. Those without Christ will find themselves in hell—yes, a real place— with or without the benefit of living through the tribulation. That is inevitable. Those who have thought themselves “Christian” may suffer the same fate and be surprised with their tribulation adventure. As leaders in our families, churches, schools, government, and businesses, we owe it to those we love to warn them of the wreck they could be entering. We would warn a stranger if we knew they were heading down the road to an assured demise. Will we not make the same warning available to family, friends, and colleagues? What they do with the information is up to them.
To those reading who do not know Christ and never have known Him, His salvation is a free gift (Galatians 2:8 & 9). You need only ask for it. If you are willing to humble yourself before Christ, pray, seek His face, and confess and repent from your sins, He is awaiting you with open arms. But you must earnestly seek Him and truthfully confess your sins. Then, you must diligently repent or turn away from that path of sin and toward Christ. If you are ready to do that, please feel free to respond to me here. I will do all I can to get you connected with a church in your area to continue the discipleship.
It is now time to turn to those reading who have, at some point in their lives, made a commitment to Christ. My question is, how is your walk now? As leaders, we must check ourselves and the health of those we lead. This is true in the family, the church, the school, or the business in which we operate. Come with me to a well-known parable in Matthew 25, the parable of the 10 virgins.
This parable is poignant and targets believers. Over 2,000 years ago, Christ knew His followers would take different paths and perhaps become lukewarm over time. It is important for us to have a vibrant relationship with Him and not just call ourselves Christians. We need to interact with Christ on a daily basis and teach those we lead to do the same. This builds a storehouse of spiritual blessings to see us through difficult times.
In this parable, there are 10 virgins or members of the church—followers of Jesus. Five of the followers are identified as wise, and five are foolish. The only difference is that the five wise brought extra oil to keep their lamps burning. The light, or the lamp, signifies what Christ has spoken of earlier in Matthew, that we are the light to a dark and lost world. We should not put our light under a basket and hide it (Matthew 5:14-16) or let it go out. Both the wise and the foolish members of the church have a lamp/light to shine in a dark world. As we wait for Christ’s return, we are to shine that light for all to see. But the nominal Christians—those in name only—are caught in the daily culture and worries and forget to take time with God to replenish their spiritual stores—the oil. Therefore, when Christ returns, their light is not shining brightly, if at all. They have chosen to become lukewarm church members or have drifted away completely.
Christ wants His bride fully prepared and shining brightly. When He returns, will He find faith (Luke 18:8)? The oil taken by the wise followers represents spiritual growth. Daily prayer, time in the Word, and application of the Word with others. That is the oil that will keep our lamp burning brightly when Christ comes. It is the wise followers who will be admitted to the wedding banquet while the foolish are left outside.
Sadly, we all know of those in our circle of influence who have drifted. While Christ, the bridegroom, tarries, they have become involved in culture, not reaching/changing the culture. They have drifted from Christ, becoming focused on church programs, family activities, or a career rather than growing and storing up spiritual fuel. Perhaps the rapture is not pre-trib but mid-trib and will cause some to fall away in disappointment. Finances, jobs, and families may disappear. When the world turns dark, things become difficult and having a storehouse of spiritual fuel will be important. Holding on to the temporal instead of spiritual truth can take the nominal Christian down a dangerous path.
That danger has eternal consequences. If we do not have enough oil to keep our lamps burning, will we be the church members who hear the words, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.? (Matthew 25:12) That would be a devastating word. You say, “That can’t happen to me or those I lead.” However, verse 5 of Matthew 25 tells us that “…while the bridegroom (Christ) was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. All means all. Each of us has the opportunity to fall asleep in our walk with Christ.
So, leaders, trim your lamps and make sure you are in the Word, praying and teaching for God. That is the extra oil you will need to meet Christ and have the doors of the banquet opened to you. Then check the oil of those you lead. This is a sign of the Steward Leader (Rodin, 2010). Make sure they replenish their own supplies for the dark times ahead before the Light of The World comes again.
Rodin. R. S. (2010). The Steward Leader: Transforming People, Organizations and Communities. InterVarsity Press.