Much could be said about the time that we are living in but the greatest indicator of the perils of our time can be seen in people’s perspective on life, particularly in the area of social status and the accumulation of wealth. The Bible provides some stern warnings concerning our human tendencies and the need to embrace God’s perspective. We find Jesus’ teaching on the subject in the twelfth chapter of Luke. And reads:
4 “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. 5 But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.
6 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” (Luke 12:4-7, NLT)
The Danger of Self-Righteous Living
The text in Luke 12 begins with Jesus addressing the disciples about the sincerity of one’s heart in service to God. Jesus was being unapologetic about God’s position on hypocrisy. Speaking to His disciples, He says:
“Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy. 2 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 3 Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!” (Luke 11:1-3, NLT).
This kind of hypocrisy according is one that warrants the judgment of a holy and righteous God. It is a continuation of Jesus’ teaching on the untruthfulness of the religious leaders, who placed intolerable legalistic requirements on the people, but contrive ways of avoiding the regulations for themselves.
Money, a Heart Issue
The scripture teaches that because wealth demands a wholehearted commitment from those who have it, it poses a grave danger to His disciples. And since Jesus came “to preach the gospel to the poor” (Luke 4:18), he wanted His disciples to know that they can be both free from the claim of wealth and be used of God to accomplish His saving purposes by using money to alleviate the suffering if the poor and oppressed. I believe that God is asking us to “discern the time” (Luke 12:54-56) while we remain faithful till He returns “…for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:40). May God help us all!
This season remember that Christ is our provider so “…do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will eat. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and Your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you. 34 “For where your treasure is, there your heart is also.” Luke 12:22a, 23, 30-31, 34, NKJV). This is just a reminder about Who your Father is, and Whose child you are. You are a child of the King my friend, so rejoice in His mercy and love!
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