As I watch the events of Revelation unfold and see the end of the story come into focus, I feel sad for the people that will get sucked into the deception of the last days and fall right along with the final world empire. I look around at the world today and I see the groundwork being laid. These days it’s all about self-love, success and wealth. If it feels good, do it. Look out for number one. The world is yours; just reach out and take it. Social media has provided a platform for motivational speakers and online influencers to convince people that there is nothing standing in their way. It may seem like a good message on the surface, but it is pointing people in all the wrong directions in search of all the wrong things.
I’ve seen some of these people and I believe they mean well. To be truthful, I’ve even been motivated by some of the things they’ve had to say. But when you start to break down their message, you realize that there is no real hope there. Nothing of eternal value.
I know most of them have worked hard for what they’ve attained. They usually have a success story that everyone admires and envies. They started out humble and maybe even recognized that they were blessed by God with an important message to share. But as time went on, they forgot about His part. They became too busy piling success upon success to stop and give God the glory. They may still go to church, do good things and give – after all, people are watching, and their generosity makes for a good Instagram story. The sticking point of their message is “go after your dreams”, not “seek God.”
What would they do if they woke up tomorrow and it was all gone? After all, the same God that allowed them to attain it all can step in and take it at any time. Especially if He sees that the wealth and success they’ve attained matter more to them than He does.
“The fancy things you loved so much are gone,” they cry. “All your luxuries and splendor are gone forever, never to be yours again.” – Revelation 18:14 NLT
These people are gifted by God with incredible talents in writing and speaking. But God wants the passions, talents, and opportunities He’s given them to be used to point people to Jesus. Sadly, all many of them have ended up doing is pointing people to themselves.
When you reach the end of your life and stand before God, what will you have to show for it? Fame? Wealth? Success? Millions of followers on Social Media? None of that will follow you into eternity. Only the things that have brought glory to God and reached people with the gospel will remain. Even the people you may have helped with their physical needs won’t be thanking you if their greatest need, their need for a Savior, was never met.
When it comes down to it – the only things that matter are the glory of God and the souls of people!
In the end, Babylon falls! The great world empire built on selfishness, pride and greed will face the King of kings and in a single hour, it will all be gone.
“Come away from her, my people. Do not take part in her sins, or you will be punished with her.” – Revelation 18:4 NLT
Don’t get sucked in! Don’t compromise your standards to fit into a world that will one day be gone. Be set apart and show people the way of salvation. Don’t copy the behavior of the world around you! (Romans 12:2) You will not attract people to Jesus if you act like everyone else.
Be aware of pride and greed. Never forget that all good things come from God. Watch out for selfishness. The Bible doesn’t say that you need to love yourself more. God loves you far more than you could ever love yourself anyway. And He wants his love to fill you and spill out onto the people around you.
Keep your focus on God and His plans. Don’t allow the wrong things to matter in your life. If you spend all your time accumulating tangible things that bring earthly gratification rather than spending your time, talents and treasures on things that bring God glory you will arrive at your final destination empty-handed.
I don’t see where this fits, but I’m gonna say it anyway. I think those of us can stay true to or mission also need to be careful that we don’t allow others to reinforce slightly altered ideas of the kingdom, too. I was infuriated when Tim Tebow’s engagement to Miss Universe (?) was announced. This man had done so much to maintain a consistent testimony (as far as I know) and someone had reduced it to this: a guy who chose celibacy until marriage was “rewarded” by a hot girl!
Having any sort of platform as a Christian comes with a lot of responsibility. People are watching! 😊
Maybe that was what I was thinking-that even the best-utilized platforms can be minimized be a worldly take on it. Speaking of people watching, I once had a cross necklace that I really liked. One day I was feeling especially cranky and actually considered not wearing it because I was pretty certain I was NOT going to be pleasant at all that day. It was one of the most ignorant, immature thoughts I’d ever had! It’s not like tag team wrestling! You can’t take a timeout! 🙄
This platform responsibility is also what keeps me from being jealous of writers with larger audiences!
Amen! I was just talking to my husband about that. I don’t ever want to get to a place where I’m writing to attract attention to me and not God. That takes a lot of prayer and intentionality. Fame would add another layer of temptation.