Recession proof Love – Remembering 911

In the times of abundant iniquity, the love of many - Jesus Christ said would grow cold. In the bid to survive even as media networks fan the fiery embers of fear for fiendish gain ...as increased competitiveness for scarce resources and harsh economic climate persists – many must find themselves vulnerable to a hardening that always comes surreptitiously to the unguarded.

Matthew 24[12] And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

I ask myself – how can I make the love of God in my life that manifests in practical acts of charity for others especially those I perceive as unlovable ... recession proof? I also ask myself some questions...

1. Would I still love God if suddenly sent to the back of a lonesome desert? Or suddenly denied of a much desired breakthrough? How warm would my love be if suddenly exposed to very different cultures and peoples?
2. When faced with opposition and strong resistance that cause me to buckle - can I still be thankful? Am I happier when I have my way and miserable and fretful when I can not?
3. Do I (in subtle ways) take credit for the good things God is doing - forgetting to thank Him? Do I despise His chastening not thanking Him for the things I do not understand or like?

What separates children of God in the Bible, with recession proof love for God and His creation, from the others who struggle?

I discern three principal things worth noting ...

1. They trusted completely in the work of God in their life and others and in all the events impacting them...knowing that all things must work out for their good as they obeyed Him.
2. They relied more on spiritual weapons – principally prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit, leaning always on the mercy of God.
3. They never saw themselves in any way disadvantaged or at a loss – when events appeared contrary to their expectations - knowing God has limitless avenues to work out and fulfil destiny.

I recall a scene in a Christian film I watched of a blind man offered his eyesight but only if he accepted to serve the devil and bear his mark forever... He received sight for a few minutes and was asked to make a decision...would he rather remain blind and be saved?

If riches, enlightenment and great influence would cost me my salvation would I agree to let these go? Would I turn my back to Jesus If I risked losing all the comforts, social safety nets and wealth as a result of obeying Him completely...

A.M. Royden said "Learn to hold loosely all that is not eternal". Jesus once met a rich man who would not follow Him.

Luke 18[23] And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. [24] And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Jesus – the best preacher ever – the living word ... could not convince this rich man. How come we have so easily convinced Him? Perhaps we have presented to him a more practical perspective.

As we remember 911...and the painful lingering memories... let us also remember what the Bible says about love...

I John 4[16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. [17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. [18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. [19] We love him, because he first loved us. [20] If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? [21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

I John 3 [10] In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

The real plan of September 11 to defeat a nation may have worked far more effectively than many would think if it has lured many out of dwelling in love...even love for the unlovable.

Lord, help me - that in these unusual times my love may be found recession proof...never waxing cold.

Amen

(Articles in Author's blog)