Searching for
The apostle Paul writes,
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” 2 Timothy 3:1-4.
In his book "Essentials in Christian Faith" John B. Harrington, published in 1958, there is a quote that could have been written yesterday.
It's from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948:
"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.'"
Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution.
Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency courage."
Now I can only speak for what I see in North America where I live, and sadly I see Christianity becoming "religious". At least I see many pastors, evangelist, and many sitting in the pews becoming religious.
This is what the apostle Paul predicted in 2Timothy 3:1-4. Sadly such people are becoming the face of Christianity here in North America. And what Gallico and others are seeing.
The solution to the problem. The only solution is a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. Putting God first in ones life. Making the teachings of Jesus a reality in ones life. When we do so we will begin to exhibit what the apostle Paul calls the fruit of the spirit,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.... Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23.
This is what Gallico was searching for, and I believe what many in the world today are searching for also.
Dear reader are you looking for this? Why not take a moment to ask Jesus into your life. Simply pray
Dear Jesus I ask that you come into my life today.
If you said this prayer and truly believe what you said. I would ask that you start reading the New Testament at the very least. It will tell you what the early Christians believed about Jesus and how to live a Godly life. The second is do your best to find a church congregation near where you live. I recommend a Baptist or Salvation Army. Talk to the pastor and ask him any questions you might have.
Please think about it.
