When God Is Forgotten

In 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Paul encourages his protégé on how to continue without him, what to do and watch for.  As Christians, we would be wise to consider that council in our own lives.  As society changes, it seems the times described are approaching.

In the free world, this should be the most wonderful time in human history.  Consider what us humans have accomplished: many fatal diseases eradicated, accident and injury readily treated with good pain relief, transportation and communication systems surpassing the imagination of not so long ago, plans for exploring other planets and a lengthy list goes on.  Human inventiveness has provided many good things for us.  Democracy has flourished along with human rights.  However; our earthly freedoms and rights are only as valid as the human institutions that support and defend them which, when people are separated from God, is all there is.

As God’s sons and daughters, we have the right to approach Him through Jesus.  Jesus shows us what Christians should be doing; such as the Lord’s prayer that says we will be forgiven as we forgive others (Matthew 6:12) and we should love God and love others as we do ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39) which, if we treated others as we would like to be treated, the bulk of man’s laws would be unnecessary.

What if we’re not doing as God asks?

   Without Godly influence the world will try to control people with more laws and invasive enforcement, destroying many of the rights and democracy that society now enjoys.  Unfortunately, the more prosperous we become with money, possessions, secular friends and “wants,” the weaker many become spiritually.  It seems that the more we have, the more we want, the more we demand; the less we seek God.

So how do we find a way back to Jesus, especially if we’re affluent and socially well off in the world?

If you’ve spent part of your childhood in a church with Sunday School then wandered away, a sense of wrongness may happen as you mature.  Jesus is remembered and often returned to when an adult looks back over his or her life with misgiving and feels the need to change.  If this is you, please remember Romans 8:38-39 and know it’s ok.  You will be welcomed in God’s house.

I drifted away from God for many years, until children arrived and I wanted a better life for them than what the world provided.  We were welcomed at a Church; learned, grew and worshipped.  Now that my children are adults, that influence can be seen in many good ways.

If you’re new to Christianity, you could find a modern Bible translation and read through the first few books of the New Testament.  There are Christian websites to browse, many churches and Godly organizations also have a help line for curious folks, please try one or just drop into a local Church, sit where you’d like and enjoy.

   Ask and it will be given, Seek and you will find, Knock and the door will be opened (Matthew 7:7).  It’s never too late to seek Jesus – God’s Son is just waiting for you to decide.