We’ve been sitting in this pot for awhile now. I’m referring to this world we live in, but my reference isn’t limited to those who are over a certain age– this situation we’re in now, it’s been a slow boil for all of humanity.
We’re like the boiling frog who didn’t know he was in danger. You see, if a frog is suddenly put into boiling water, it will jump out, but if the frog is put in cold water which is then brought to a boil slowly, it won’t perceive the danger and will be cooked to death (bye-bye frog).
And like I said, we’ve been sitting in this pot for awhile now.
Jesus said, “All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another” (Matthew 24:8-10).
What a sad revelation: “…these are the beginning of sorrows.” You mean it’s only going to get worse? Yes. Jesus was speaking of the last days. The Bible has much to say about it. But even with all our studying and awareness, the world has been boiling slowly.
This warning by Jesus was spoken to His disciples. As we carry this thought forward with the understanding that we are now His disciples, we can’t deny He was talking to us (to Christians) just as much as the world. Many will be offended. Many will betray one another. Many will hate one another — even Christians.
And although there have been many signs of this slow boil, the one that has caught my attention the most is the criticisms. It’s everywhere– you name the subject and there’s a critic waiting to speak up. But why?
Why so much criticism? Because we’ve been sitting in this slow boiling pot and unaware that the enemy is turning us against one another.
“Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many” (Matthew 24:11). I used to think this was talking about cult leaders with great followings (and it could definitely mean that) but I’ve come to realize we have quite a few “internet preachers” on social media with an agenda of opinion that often contradicts the whole counsel of God’s Word. They have day jobs in other professions but feel the need to “preach” their view of “this world going to pot” and why– not realizing they’ve been sitting in the same boiling water.
“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). You’d think the frog sitting in a slow-boiling pot would have a warm heart, but it’s quite the opposite. It seems the hotter the “pot” is, the colder the heart becomes. By simple definition, law-less-ness is a lack-of-the-law. And the new law Jesus gave all of us is the law of LOVE. Therefore law-less-ness is simply a lack of love.
In the last days, lawlessness (our lack of love) will abound. And the result will be a cold, complacent love because we’re sadly no longer shocked by murders, riots, insults, bitterness, and foul talk. Jesus warned us: lawlessness will abound– and become the norm– and our love will grow cold.
“BUT he who endures to the end shall be saved. 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 24:13-14).
So what do we do?
We can’t get out of the pot. The world is slowly boiling BUT we can endure to the end by maintaining our love no matter what. You and I can individually decide to walk in love whether anyone else does or not.
Forgive often.
Own your rebellion when you get caught up with the crowd and repent.
Choose love (not feelings).
Choose to be patient and kind.
Choose God’s way of doing things:
Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. Love never stops loving. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, TPT)
Why so much criticism? Because this is last-days-living. But I can’t emphasize this truth enough:
You cannot choose for others– but you can choose for yourself.
Rise above it.
