When I attended the University of Delaware, I experienced another world. Though I wasted my first semester chasing after an Animal House like happening, it wasn’t long until I had to face reality; the party life wasn’t for me. I had to stay true to my convictions, accept my relational weaknesses and stop being fake. Its no wonder that the disciple Peter uses the expression sober in 1 Peter 4:7, calling people to be real by stopping the non-sense mentioned in verses 3-6.
Unfortunately, many college students never leave their drunken stupor, carrying it over into adulthood. Meanwhile, people are in denial of life’s end, thinking everyone will go to heaven, no matter what they have done in life. While its true heaven is not solely dependent upon what you do, Ephesians 2:8, faith does require action, James 2:26. James, the brother of Jesus, lived amongst the son of God without ever believing in him. It took a painful death, burial and subsequent resurrection of Jesus for James’ faith to come alive. James 2:14-26 is a clear proclamation to stop the non-sense by aligning your deeds with your faith.
I was saddened to hear about Kansas City Chief’s player Jovan Belcher killing his girlfriend, driving to their practice facility, then shooting himself to death in front of head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli. The only comparable thing I can remember from my own life is when a foreign exchange students from Japan committed suicide by walking into the path of a on coming train after her parents disowned her for becoming a Christian during her last semester of college. Whether you like it or not, death forces individuals to think of the after life, heaven or hell. You can’t sugarcoat this fact from the Bible, Matthew 7:13-14, with more going down instead of up if you take the Bible literally.
Though some churches claim murder is an unforgivable sin, this is not biblical; only blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is not forgiven according to Jesus in Matthew 12:31. This too is often confused, especially with youtubes comparing denying God with blasphemy. In the end, only God knows your heart. However, people have to stop lying to themselves and open their eyes to what is truly going on around them. Listen closely to the language daily spoken. What are the majority of television commercials really selling? How many laws are being broken by these new reality shows? Wake up America while you are still alive! Remove the garbage you are daily digesting, come to your senses like the prodigal son in Luke 15:17-18 and embrace your heavenly father who loves and created you. In light of this latest tragedy, the sensible thing to do is to prepare yourself for the after life, 1 Peter 4:8-11.
by Jay Mankus
Pray for the Chiefs, the families affected and for those who have not made their eternal reservations, 1 John 5:13.
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