End of the World as We Know It?

Today, so many people sat at the edge of their seat awaiting judgement day.  According to a false prophet named, Harold Camping, who by the way doesn't mind being called a false prophet, today, May 21, 2011 was the day that Christ would return to earth while a massive earthquake put everyone else to horrific torment.  Well, as with every doomsday date setter before, he was wrong.  Unfortunately, many people believed in him and will continue to believe his stories and will continue to throw money at him for the rest of their lives.

So what does this tell us?  How can this help us learn about ourselves, God, our family, and the world?  Funny you should ask.  I believe God always uses things that Satan intends for evil, shapes them and brings about good things for those who diligently seek Him in all things.  So how can we come away with something from these false teachings?

Well what if not today, but tomorrow is the end of the world?  what if it's next week or the month after that?  One thing I can tell you is that the world as you and I know it will cease to exist one day.  Actually within the next 130 or so years my world and your world will end.  I'm not saying the earth, but your world.  When I close my eyes on this earth and take my last breath my world will end here and will begin in another place.  The same goes for you.

As humans, we tend to think about the here and now more than anything that isn't tangible.  We tend to forgo the future for superficial gains in the present.  Much like the grasshopper in the story of the ant and the grasshopper, we feel like everything is great now.  Everything is as it should be so let's eat, drink, and be merry.  Well, I have news for you, nothing lasts forever.

Eventually you, I, and every other soul in this world will stand before the great white throne of judgement to give an account of our lives.  We will be asked if we had a relationship with the Son of God, Jesus.  We will be asked if we were obedient and faithful to the King of kings and Lord or lords.  Then they will search for our names in the Book of Life and if your name is not to be found, you will be cast into utter darkness without the love, guidance, or protection of God for all eternity.

Thus we need to be prepared.  As fathers, we need to ask God to teach us to obey his Word in every area of our lives.  We need to teach our children to obey God's Word and to teach others to do the same.  Your children will never listen, however, if you do not hold yourself to the standards you teach so don't expect to drop off your kids at Sunday school and pick them up as saints because it doesn't work like that.  Your children will likely mimic your words and your actions as they grow.  They are very observant and will catch even things you think they didn't see.  This means you need to guard your heart at all times.

Granted there will be times when you are not in control of your thoughts or actions such as when you dream, but the moment you wake you'll need to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ".  This means understanding that there was an attack on your mind throughout your dream and you must repent and ask God to cleanse you from any unrighteousness.  Don't hesitate or it will consume you.

As we wait for the glorious day of the Lord and ignore those who claim to have special insight as to the specific day that will occur, remember to always live your life as if it were your last.  If you close this window and suddenly succumb to a heart attack or aneurysm, where will you spend eternity?  Will you regret your decision to live for your own self gratification?  Will you regret your neglect of God's Word?  Don't gamble with your soul.  It is the only thing God has given you that you have control over - your freewill.  Your children will thank you for being a true man of God and teaching them His ways.

Man O God