DON’T GROW COLD
June 24th | Pastor Gino
Matthew 24:12-14 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
In Matthew 24, the Lord tells us what life will be like before his return. In the last days, there will be lawlessness, moral decay, and chaos. However, those who are in Christ are to remain faithful, not only to Him, but to His mission as well—living and sharing the gospel as we draw nearer to the time of His return. Above all, we must not let our love for Christ or for one another grow cold. This can be harder than it sounds in a world that constantly grates against our souls from so many directions and in which we constantly bump into one another.
Coldness of heart can set in when we start experiencing indifference towards God, when our prayers become mechanical or nonexistent, or when obedience seems to become a burden rather than a delight. It can lead to apathy and an unwillingness to forgive or reconcile with others, as it fosters bitterness, cynicism, and self-centeredness as we grow increasingly distrustful of individuals and institutions. Sins will increasingly be justified, and the zeal we once had for the things of the Lord will begin to slip away like the remnants of a distant memory. There are many arrows in Satan’s arsenal, so we must always be on our guard against the frigid temperatures of lawlessness, confusion, and disorder.
So, what can we do to avoid the coldness of heart that threatens us as we strive to navigate through the difficulties of this life? First and foremost, we must stay close to Christ and look to Him continually. We must constantly be reminded of His love for us, His sacrifice for us, and His plans for us, today and for eternity, as we press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call (Phil 3:14). Next, we must commit to walking in obedience no matter the cost, knowing that our obedience is a demonstration of the faith we hold dear. Remember, it is lawlessness that causes coldness of heart, and lawlessness is sin (1 John 3:4). Finally, we must depend on the Holy Spirit and the fellowship of the saints as we stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Much more could be said about the dangers of growing cold. If you find yourself growing emotionally numb, spiritually disengaged, and relationally distant, run to Christ today! Flee to His everlasting embrace and listen to Him! A heart that is engaged with Christ is the opposite of a cold heart—a heart knit in Christ is warm, active, faithful, and self-giving—even in a hostile world. So, stay close to Christ and remember that in a world of growing lawlessness, love must be intentional, Spirit-led, and eternally focused on the King. Come quickly, Lord, come!
