Family is everything; as much as depends upon you to be a good steward of your family; do it. God has given us our family so we can be a light to them and show His love to them. Family first!
A man doesn’t leave his family; no matter what. He can rearrange his living conditions in a way that will facilitate a healthier home, but he stands with his own. A husband and father can sleep in another room, in the garage, in a tent in the backyard or in the car parked in the driveway, but he doesn’t leave his family. This also goes for our ladies who are mothers. Parents need to hold the line for their kids. While there is always extenuating circumstances in every situation, I recommend seeking proper help in those cases. I have seen a lot of damage in people due to broken families and a hostile upbringing; believe me, I get it. As believers, we are called to love and lead our families as the Lord enables. One day we will give an account of our stewardship of those entrusted to our care at the Bema Seat of Jesus. We must remember that the Rapture of the Church leads directly to the Bema Seat; our soon departure is our pending judgment; thank God we are saved by His grace through our faith in Jesus.
We must be more concerned about our accountably upon our arrival into heaven than we are about when we are leaving for it. We’ve all read the love chapter (1 Corinthians 13) and we know what the Lord expects. Our focus must be on our ‘love’ life here, than it is our ‘rewards’ there. Too many believers know a lot about the Bible and church culture, but do they love like Jesus loves? We all need to love those entrusted to our care, beginning with our families. There are others outside of our family that we are to love as well. Loving others is akin to loving Jesus. When we can love like Jesus loves, we begin to understand the very principles of His Word to us and for us. If we won’t love others, who will, and how will they do it?
Jesus said it this way, “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love (Greek: agape) of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” – Matthew 24:9-14
The context of His message here in this passage pertains to the tribulation period, but it’s also reflected in various parts of NT history. The idea of ‘lawless abounding and the love of many growing cold’ pertains to those terrible days where people are loving less with an agape’ (unconditional) love. This is how Jesus wants us to love one another; unconditionally.
The idea here is that during the tribulation, when the Church is removed from the earth, the love of Jesus will also be removed. While trib-saints will be coming to faith during this time and the Holy Spirit will still be working in them, empowering them, and comforting them; they will be left behind in a loveless world with no active Restrainer. The life expectancy of a trib-saint will be shortened and their survival rate minimal; however, they will finally have Christ, therefore, ready for death and longing for heaven. Not so for those many who professed a faith in Christ, but lived far from Him, and are now deceased. For the deceived person who thought they were saved, but missed the Rapture, their being left behind is God’s grace on their life for a second chance at repentance before death. It’s God’s grace for them!
While this is not a blog about end times so much as it is about loving others like Jesus loves; I do believe that it’s a fitting word for all of us who sense the nearness of the Lord’s return. While we’re all still here, we can love like Jesus loves and make a positive difference for Him. This is what God expects from us. Not leaving your family, but standing with them in the chaos is part of the ride for a believer who has been tasked with the spiritual leadership and conduct that is due them. God has given us His Word, His Holy Spirit, and His commands to lead a godly life and to be a godly witness for Him in these last days.
Even when we’re under duress, we need to let our light shine for Him. BTW, being under duress is when God does His best work. This is also when the enemy attacks us. This being said, if we can love those entrusted to our care, we will be in a far better place to reflect our witness for the Lord to them. We never want people to have a tainted testimony of the Christ because of our misconduct. While we all understand our imperfections, we must also embrace our need to humble ourselves, repent, and make it right.
Maranatha!
Encourage Men 