Endurance

KJB Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Jesus was talking to his disciples regarding what things we shall see before the end of the world.  He spoke of us seeing:

• Many saying "I am Christ" and deceiving many
• Hearing of wars and rumors of war
• There will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in different places

He says these are the beginning of sorrows.  We have certainly heard of these things and some have experienced them.  Then Jesus goes on to say:

• They shall deliver you up to be afflicted and shall kill you.
• You shall be hated of all nations for His name's sake.
• Many shall be offended and betray one another and hate one another.
• False prophets will arise and deceive many.
• Because iniquity abounds, the love of many shall wax cold.

Today we see many nations who persecute Christians.  We have seen many false prophets.  We see sin and hatefulness abounding.  We have even seen the love of Christians among each other grow cold.  Why is this?  It really bothers me.  A Christian is subject to fall at times, but their overall general character should be projecting the love of Jesus Christ.  Jesus didn't tell us our job was to condemn sinners or argue with one another over His word or teachings.  If we look at how Jesus conducted Himself while walking this Earth, we will be reminded that he showed much love and compassion toward the sinners to show them a better way of life and prove how much God really does love mankind, whom He created.  Those whom He became angry with were the religious leaders who were so full of pride.

As a Christian, I realize that the main cause of our stumbling is pride.  No one wants to be told their belief is wrong.  You've all heard the saying, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."  I do believe we should stand up for what we believe in, yes, but only if we do it in the correct way...through Christ's Love. 

You may be asking, "What does any of this have to do with endurance?"  For a Christian, Jesus said, "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."  We must endure our persecutions and not let our love grow cold to those who persecute us.  We must have the mindset of Christ.  He is our example.  The more our mind is stayed on Him and our hearts commune with Him, the more He will manifest His Love through us to others.  Pride will cause our spiritual growth to be stunted.  


James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

In the days we are living in, we must be sure to endure.  Those of us who call ourselves Christians, MUST examine our own lives and make sure we are not holding a grudge against anyone.  Remember this verse in Matthew 6:14-15:  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.



For the sake of our souls and the sake of the souls of the lost, let us come together in one accord for the things that really matter to God.