Worshipping the Wickedness

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:12-13

In Matthew 24, Jesus takes us on a journey of end times. While reading this interesting chapter recently, the above verses got my attention.

We are living in wicked times, with wicked thoughts, and wicked deeds. Often, they seem to be all consuming. We don’t set out to worship the wickedness but we give it our attention, we admire its power, we fear it, and without realizing it, allow it to influence our thoughts and actions.

What should we do when we find ourselves overwhelmed by the darkness around us?

Don’t buy into it.

Don’t assume it’s more powerful than the God who set the universe in motion.

Don’t envy it.

Don’t applaud it.

Don’t promote it.

Don’t poke at it.

Acknowledge it but quickly turn your eyes back to Jesus. He knew how alluring it is and how spending too much time watching it can hurt us. He knows we have the tendency to let its negativity wipe out our love, hope, and joy.

Be people of peace.

Let the joy of the Lord be your strength.

Stop debating.

Use the hide feature for the online friends who revel in drama. Find those who speak peace into your life.

Refuse to share the articles, posts, or memes, political or not, that cast others in an unflattering light. We don’t know if it’s true or not. Don’t be people of slander.

Build bridges of love between those who live, love, look, and vote differently.

Train yourself to be graceful. It doesn’t always come naturally.

Name your enemy then remember how Jesus told you to treat them. What would you say if God brought you face to face with them? Would you curse them? Invite them to church? Would they care to hear about the God you worship if they could read your Facebook timeline first? Some of us need to start deleting a few things.

I encourage you to practice the words you hear on Sunday morning, the same words you also share with those around you on social media. James says we shouldn’t allow praise and cursing to come out of the same mouth (James 3:10). Why do we think it’s ok to allow it on our Facebook timelines? Church, it shouldn’t be.

It’s godly to call out the wickedness but pray mightily for the souls of those who dabble in it. We’re good at being critical. Let’s get better at compassion. We are people of love. Refuse to lose it.