3 Minute Read
Prepare Your Heart
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Read God’s Word
A Verse for Today
Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Matthew 24:12 (CSB): “Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold.”
Reflecting on God’s Word
People are at their best when they fulfill the second greatest commandment: to love their neighbor as they love themselves. This means that they look out for others, particularly those in need.
Matthew 22:37-40 (CSB): “He said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.’”
Here is a heartwarming two-minute video of people coming to the rescue of a man who had a stroke while he was behind the wheel. I apologize for the one obscene word that was used, but it is bleeped out.
But in the verse I have chosen for today, Jesus warns us that the end times will not be so heart-warming. He told us that lawlessness and chaos will prevail. As a result, people will focus more on themselves and less on others. Those in need will frequently be overlooked by people who are self-centered, indifferent, and even hostile toward them.
Psychologists understand this phenomenon. Many studies have been done on how living in high-crime areas creates mental health issues in the residents of that area. They can become anxious and afraid. They also tend to focus more on their own safety, feeling that everything outside their dwelling is unsafe. Instead of reaching out to help and serve others, people tend to develop a “sorry about your luck” attitude. People are less characterized by compassion and, instead, embrace self-preservation.
So, what are we to think about this as Christians?
We realize that the love we are commanded to give to our neighbor in the second commandment is not contingent upon our environment. Regardless of what is going on around us or to us, we are commanded to love others. While there should be some element of emotion in that love, it is primarily rooted in the will. We simply choose to respect and help others, particularly those in need.
So, my friend, don’t let your environment determine whether or not you comply with the second greatest commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. Whether it is easy or hard, it is our duty as Jesus-followers to comply.
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to realize that I don’t take my cues from the world. There is coming a time, and to some extent is now here, when people will become more self-focused and less caring about others. Let me not follow the world’s lead. Instead, help me to have Your love for others. I pray this in Your Name, Amen.
Going Deeper
If you want to go deeper, check out this article by Got Questions: “What does it mean that the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12)?”
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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com).
Matt’s Musings 