In these crucial times that we are living in, it would be well for our minds, thoughts and actions be focused heavenward. Some important questions we may ask ourselves: where is my loyalty, where is my final destiny(my home), what does this world have to offer me, if any? The Bible says “And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” -Revelation 13:12 He, the lamb like beast “Causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the beast“, that sounds like everyone, startling, would there be anyone true to God, that would not worship the beast? And what does is means to “dwell upon the earth”? Verse 8 of the same chapter add some light to this question, “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” -Revelation 13:8 Clearly, those who dwell upon the earth refers to those that are not in Christ, their names are not written in the Lambs book of life.
Jesus says, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” -John 17:16. Christ has gone to prepare for us a place, this world is not our home, we are ambassadors for God. There is a lot of things in this sin sick world to distract us, enticing us to become permanent resident. There is the love of money, ambitions, cares of this world,
politics, etc. Like Paul we should be able to say “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”(1 Timothy 6:10-11)
From the story of the rich young ruler, inspiration has expounded as follows: “Christ assured the young man who came to Him that if he would obey His requirements,
he should have treasure in heaven. This world-loving man was very sorrowful. He wanted heaven, but he desired to retain his wealth. He renounced immortal life for the love of money and power. Oh, what a miserable exchange! Yet many are doing this who profess to keep all the commandments of God. {4T 50.2}
The cares of this life can cause us to loose our first love our focus, and instead of ambassadors for Christ, we become earthly residents. The Lord messenger continues”
“I was shown that in your first experience your heart was all aglow with the truth; your mind was absorbed in the study of the Scriptures; you saw new beauty in every line. Then the good seed sown in your heart was springing up and bearing fruit to the glory of God. But after a time the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches choked the good seed of the word of God sown in your heart, and you failed to bring forth fruit. The truth struggled for supremacy in your mind, but the cares of this life and the love of other things gained the victory. Satan sought, through the attractions of this world, to enchain you and paralyze your moral powers so that you should have no sense of God’s claims upon you, and he has nearly succeeded.” – {4T 50.3}
“Now, dear brother, you must make a most earnest, persevering effort to dislodge the enemy and assert your liberty; for he has made you a slave to this world until your love of gain has become a ruling passion. Your example to others has been bad; selfish interests have been prominent. By profession you say to the world: My citizenship is not here, but above; while your works decidedly say that you are a dweller on the earth. As a snare shall the day of judgment come upon all who dwell on the face of the earth. Your profession is only a hindrance to souls. You have not corresponding works. “I know thy works” (not thy profession), says the True Witness. God is now sifting His people, testing their purposes and their motives. Many will be but as chaff—no wheat, no value in them.” – {4T 51.1}
… prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. -Amos 4:12
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