Growing Cold


"...Will there be any sign ahead of time to signal your return and the end of the world? ... Many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. Many false prophets will appear and will lead many people astray. Sin will be rampant everywhere and the love of many will grow cold. But those who endure to the end will be saved." Matthew 24:3-13

Every year in our house around September/October, our family gathers around for the annual launch of the gas burning fireplace. With just a few clicks of the starter, the pilot light ignites followed by a quick turning of the knob. The orange flames spring into action. For the next six months, that fireplace provides a magnetic warmth and glow that almost always has someone nearby held fast in its grip.   

As Jesus was painting a rather grim picture of life as it nears the apocalypse, he spoke of a dissipating warmth. It wasn't a decrease in the temperature as the sun went down. It was a description of people's hearts as they began to lose concern for the well being of others. It was a descent into coldness from which there would be no recovery. However, those who like Jesus hold fast to love while withstanding hate will be saved.

What is the thermometer in your heart reading these days? When people cross your path, do they want to stay there? Warmth is truly irresistible in a world that is steadily growing colder by the day. Loving others is a costly proposition. Just ask Jesus. The world was no friend to him, but his refusal to hate brought billions of eternal souls into the family of God. Hold fast to the remarkable truth that God can do great things with your heart of love too. 

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