Reblogged from The Simplicity of the Gospel
~
“In many ways each of us are called to be “point men” every day of our lives. But most Christians are taking a leisurely stroll through a park rather than “walking point” in a war zone.”
“Point Man”
The young Marine was picked to be the squad’s point man that day. It was a life & death job you had to take very seriously – lives hung in the balance. He was moving with catlike grace down the jungle trail. His eyes darted purposely back and forth, staring to maximize his peripheral vision, analyzing every contour for irregularities in the symmetry of vegetation, any abnormalities in the path before him. The point man ran his hand over his face to steady himself, then started forwards again. His brain sifted every shred of stimuli for potential danger as he inched through the dappled greens. Every few paces he paused to look and listen before resuming his advance. Each footfall was measured – the delicate placement of each step – toes first, delicately, carefully measuring each step, cautiously scrutinizing every inch of ground for trip wires trailing off through the vegetation, listening for the muffled rustling of leaves, the crack of a twig, alert for the slightest trace of movement or sixth sense of danger.
In many ways each of us are called to be “point men” every day of our lives. But most Christians are taking a leisurely stroll through a park rather than “walking point” in a war zone. Rather than having an alert attitude of watchful vigilance they are casually complacent. In our consumer driven, comfort driven, convenience driven Christianity we rarely observe a prudent sense of urgency or vigilance. Often, rather than walking with our “eyes wide open” for possible booby traps and spiritual ambushes we carelessly follow a path of least resistance. How much more so is the need in these “perilous times” in which we live? In this present world, the all-consuming pursuit of personal happiness, material prosperity and worldly contentment has robbed many Christians of any authentic sense of vigilance, wariness of this world and watchfulness. Sadly, many have unconsciously “sold out” to the love of this “present world”.
Jesus warned of this “time” as we near the end; “But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing (self-indulgence, distractions, entertainment to excess, partying, diversions, gratification & amusements),drunkenness, & the cares of this life, And that Day come upon you unexpectedly…Watch therefore and pray always…” (Luke 21:34 &36)
Paul added; “Therefore let us not sleep , as others do, but let us watch and be sober…” (I Thessalonians 5:6)
Peter also warned; “ Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (I Peter 5:8)
The battle is raging. A dangerous trail is set before us. God’s people are facing the intoxicating lure of this present world, the deceitfulness of riches, spiritual darkness in high places, false teachings, false messiahs, and “the cares of this life”. The contemporary church is being assaulted by “prosperity doctrines”, “It’s all about me” religion, the gospel of comfortable Christianity, a watered down Gospel, Christian con-artists & “pop” celebrities, empty sensationalism, church fads, and the “Emerging Church” heresy. Many Christians have unknowingly become pleasure driven rather than God led. In essence they have become the fulfillment of Paul’s prophecy; “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men shall be lovers of themselves, lovers of money…lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God…” (II Timothy 3:1-4)
The need for vigilance, preparedness, discernment and ears to hear has never been greater. We are not to be paranoid, fearful or insecure about the wiles of the Devil or the pitfalls of the “perilous times” in which we live but we are to be vigilant in our journey. We are all called to be “Point Men.”
Filed under: Call To Discernment, Church Compromised Tagged: | celebrity pastors, consumer driven church, discernment, Emergent Church, end time deception, end time delusion, end times, false messiahs, false teaching, gospel, perilous times, prosperity gospel, purpose driven church
