love

The Growing Polarization between Good and Evil

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“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:9-12

These four verses constitute an unfiltered description of moral and social breakdown under the pressure of a salvific choice we all face: remain steadfast in obedience to God’s will…or bow to the pleasures and opinions of men. This is not a parable. This is Christ’s prophecy of events that will precede the end of the age culminating in His return.

Let’s break it down.

Persecution Reveals Allegiance

Jesus is unambiguous in proclaiming that His followers will suffer persecution and ridicule. Such persecution, in fact, becomes a “sorting force.” Following Him will become too costly for some, pushing them to compromise or abandon their faith. Those who invite and endure tribulation will grow in their faith – deepening the chasm between the faithful obedient and the fragile.

Betrayal Overcomes Unity

“…many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.” Jesus is not talking about simple disagreements. Rather, He describes a total fracture in relations in which polarization is not just ideological, but personal. Trust, respect, compassion and love erode. People see those who do not share their view of the world as enemies rather than neighbors. Friendships, families – even churches – divide over politics, morality and faith.

Sound familiar yet?

Truth Becomes Contested

The rise of “false prophets” points to confusion about what is true. When competing voices claim authority, people will cluster into opposing camps. This accelerates division because each side believes it holds the truth. Each sees its adversaries as being deceived.

Of course, there is but one truth and it is known to those who trust in Jesus and remain obedient to His word. Humility, compassion, mercy, fidelity and love are the virtues that embody God’s elect. Money, power, pride, lust and gluttony are among the false idols that provoke deception and magnify the polarization of good and evil.

Moral Boundaries Erode

“Lawlessness” is a rejection of God’s moral order. As the polarization becomes more profound, shared moral standards evaporate. Consequently, society fragments into conflicting versions of good and evil. Those versions are informed by what we love and idolize.

When there’s no shared standard, everything becomes a power struggle between competing visions of good. For those that enable and encourage behavior in defiance of the Lord’s command to love one another, “good” is often what serves their self-interest or appeases their fears. Tolerance of evil becomes normalized. The end justifies the means.

Love Grows Cold

But the ultimate crisis is this: “…the love of many will grow cold.”

The tragedy isn’t just that the world becomes more divided but that in the face of that division, multitudes – including many who profess to follow Christ – will begin to lose their capacity for love.

We see the manifestation of this today. Compassion is displaced by outrage. Winning is more important than understanding. Love is supplanted by vengeance.

Where Do We Go from Here?

Let us remember that Jesus’ words are prophecy. They are being fulfilled right here, right now. We can’t alter the inevitability of His word. But we can make every decision, every action, every word glorify Him. We can love Him by loving others.

And if we can do that, Jesus has made yet another promise in the subsequent verse for those who remain steadfast in their faith:

“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13

Understand that “endurance,” in this context, is not just holding onto belief. It is holding onto love in an environment that steadily erodes it. That is the real challenge of our time.

I Was a Republican…Until I Found Christ

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Anti-tax. Anti-welfare. Anti-immigration. Anti-affirmative action. For too much of my life, I was pretty much anti-anything that would hinder my accumulation of wealth and prestige…and give it instead to those who were too lazy to get a job and make their own way.

I was the poster boy for the GOP. Trickle-down economics? Gimme some of that. I surmised that the extra money I had in my pocket as an affluent, well-educated citizen would eventually find its way into the hands of those who couldn’t figure it out on their own. They were, after all, lucky to be living in this country rather than a foreign land where the freedoms they enjoyed as Americans were suppressed.

That is, if they indeed were Americans. More likely, many came here unlawfully to sponge off of our overly-generous welfare system.

Global warming? Who cares? Wasn’t my problem. Future generations would figure out the climate thing…if it really was a thing.

After all, it’s all about TODAY. Why worry about the mushrooming national debt incurred to fund my tax cuts? That was just another burden that could be pushed down the road to my kids and grandkids. Of course, they would be insulated by familial wealth accumulated thanks to GOP dogma.

Born Again

I’m not proud of it, but that’s a pretty good description of my disturbing perspective. I wince as I read and re-read what I have admitted. But I become physically ill in the knowledge that the horrible things I confessed to comprise the societal blueprint for our POTUS and his GOP acolytes.

I am forever thankful that the Lord, in His boundless love, led me to Him. I became a new creation – one passionate to understand His will for those of faith. He opened my eyes and my heart to that of which I was being truly “anti-:“ Anti-love. Anti-grace. Anti-mercy. I was, in essence, anti-Christ.

My awakening led me to change many things in my life, including my political affiliation. I was compelled to leave the GOP – not for the Democrats who have challenges of their own – but to re-classify as unaffiliated. Still, I could no longer be part of a political constituency whose leadership demands followers subvert the character of Jesus Christ.

Consider:

  • Jesus was compassionate and loving. He demonstrated deep care for the suffering, the marginalized, the poor, the sick and those considered outcasts (e.g., lepers, tax collectors, Samaritans). He healed the sick, fed the hungry, forgave the sinful and welcomed the sojourner.
  • Jesus was humble and obedient. In His time on earth, Jesus lived simply, serving others rather than being served. His humility was demonstrated by washing the feet of His disciples…and His obedience to God the Father by going submissively to the cross.
  • The Lord preached mercy and forgiveness, teaching that “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” He also embodied it, forgiving those who betrayed, denied and crucified Him.
  • Jesus was courageous and just in the face of religious hypocrisy, injustice and oppression, even when it put His life at risk.
  • He spoke the truth, and did so with conviction and profound wisdom.

The Greatest Commandment

In summary, Jesus’ character was defined by love, compassion, humility, integrity, mercy, justice, faithfulness and truth.

All of this is reflected in the Lord’s teaching of the greatest commandment:

“The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12: 29-31).

I do not know the heart of Donald Trump, nor those of his groupies. I only know what I see from him…and what I do not. For instance, I do not see love. I do not see compassion. I do not see humility, mercy or truth. What I see instead are political and social pursuits that do not simply subvert – but invert – the teaching of Christ.

I see hate rather than love; cruelty rather than compassion; narcissism rather than humility; disdain rather than mercy; lies rather than truth.

One more thing I do not see: those in Trump’s orbit speaking truth to power. And with the exception of American heroes like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, much of the GOP is in lock-step with their demigod.

For many years, I was among those cloaking myself in the American flag – justifying the pursuit of self-serving political and societal ambitions as patriotic and just. But just as Trump is who he is, the sycophants among the GOP are what they are. And as I came to understand, God sees the hearts, minds and souls of those that enable, empower and encourage the inversion of God’s will.

I, for one, refuse to be one of them. I pray you will as well.

The Manifestation of Faith

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I started this post with the intent of addressing the what, why and how of eternal life with the Lord. But as I began to put context to this idea, I quickly realized that I was adding unneeded complexity to a simple truth. The what and why are obvious…and the how is actually quite uncomplicated.

There is but one how to eternity: faith in the Triune God.

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

In his epistle to the Romans, the Apostle Paul confirms this truth:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (8:1)

No condemnation. No death. Faith alone.

The concept of “faith” may be obscure to many. Even as defined by the writer of Hebrews in verse 11:1, the meaning can seem vague:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith is trust in God’s word. Faith is certainty of His existence and His promises – despite the fact that we cannot perceive them with our physical senses. It is spiritual certitude grounded not in tangible evidence, but in our trust of God’s character.

This certainty – this faith – triggers a transformation of our very being. What are the manifestations of that transformation in our time on this earth?

Love. Repentance. Mercy. Humility. Obedience.

Our faith is an open invitation to the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts and lead us in fulfilling the words of the prophet Micah:

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.” (6:8)

I pray that this faith is YOUR faith. If so, you are blessed. But the Lord’s blessings are waiting for those who have yet to find it. He has made Himself known through creation, through scripture, and through the person of Jesus Christ. I pray that you will seek Him.

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:13

Discovering Spiritual Truths through Music: Less Like Me

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In March, my brother Jim had an airline credit that was burning a hole in his pocket. So after much pestering on my part, he and my SIL Michelle came to beautiful western NC for a visit. The trip overlapped with his birthday so I wanted to do something special to celebrate.

It so happens that Zach Williams was performing at the nearby arena in Asheville, so I picked up four tickets for the concert. At the time, I was only marginally familiar with the Christian artist – and was pretty sure that Jim and Michelle were completely unacquainted with his music. Nonetheless, this seemed the best of the options and I was led to make the purchase. I figured it was time to expand their musical horizons.

Continue reading “Discovering Spiritual Truths through Music: Less Like Me” →

Can I Love Without Liking? Reflections on Christian Love

Tom Ratkovich, , 1 Comment

I rather generously consider myself to be of “middle” age. Granted, my definition of “middle” is somewhat expansive, but age is really just a number, right? At least that’s what others of my maturity tell me. And other than my insomnia and creaky joints, I’m not feeling particularly ancient.

But I am at a point in life where reflection (and regret) is a frequent exercise. Recently I have been pondering the question of whether or not God likes me. I know He loves me.

Continue reading “Can I Love Without Liking? Reflections on Christian Love” →

Who Do You Love?

Tom Ratkovich, , , , 2 Comments

My bible study currently has me in 1 John. While my studies always prompt me to contemplate the commitment to my faith and my obedience to the word of God, verses 15-17 of chapter 2 cut to the heart.

They read:

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

As someone who spent most of his life lusting, I momentarily wanted to “un-read” these words. But the twinge of regret and the grief for my past disobedience quickly dissipated as I remembered the foundational truth of my most recent post, powerfully voiced in 1 John 1:9:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Continue reading “Who Do You Love?” →

For the Love of God: Deciphering the Sheep & the Goats

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“In the end, that Face which is the delight or the terror of the universe must be turned on each one of us . . . either conferring glory inexpressible or inflicting shame that can never be cured or disguised.”

C.S. Lewis

For me, the Bible’s consummate message is found in the 25th chapter of the Book of Matthew – specifically verses 31-46.

Prophecy, Not Parable

Some characterize this passage as the parable of the sheep and the goats. My quibble with such a characterization is that I believe this episode is not a parable at all, but a prophecy of what the Lord’s return for His faithful will engender.

The parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13, NKJV) begins “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins…” Verses 14-30 of the same chapter explain the parable of the Talents and commences “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country…”

But nowhere in the prophecy of the Sheep and the Goats will you find the words “like” or “likened.” It begins instead with a definitive statement of what will happen upon the second advent of Christ Jesus:

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.”

Matthew 25:31

A statement of facts – when and then – not simply a story to illustrate a moral lesson.

The Chasm between the Saved & the Unsaved

The prophecy continues:

“All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.”

Matthew 25:32-33

The separation of such a multitude is a logistical impossibility for anyone but God. I picture the Lord creating a chasm – sheep on one side, goats on the other. Dictionary.com defines chasm as (1) a yawning fissure in the earth’s surface, or (2) a sundering breach in relations, as a divergence of opinions, beliefs, etc., between persons or groups.

Both definitions are relevant. Certainly, there is a divergence in beliefs between those on the right and those on the left. But it is also likely that the Lord will create a physical barrier.

How will that chasm be created? Three biblical verses might offer some insight into the Lord’s plan.

As we learn in Revelation 1:16:

“He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.”

Perhaps one swing of that sword is the instrument with which Jesus will create that chasm. Isaiah 66:16 tells us:

“For by fire and by His sword the Lord will judge all flesh.”

Ultimately, it is God’s Word upon which – and by which – judgment will be rendered.

“…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Ephesians 6:17

To paraphrase the cohesive message of these verses: out of the Lord’s mouth proceeds the word of God, the virtuous judgment and perfect discernment that will separate the sheep from the goats.

Blessed are the Sheep

And for the sheep, that judgment will be good.

“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.“

Matthew 25:34-36

One might infer from these verses that getting into heaven is all about good works. After all, we’re talking about feeding, clothing, sheltering, visiting. But such an inference misses the point.

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’”

Matthew 25:37-39

In other words, the righteous did not even know they were doing good works! Good works become dead works when they are done for the wrong reasons – such as to boast or gain favor. But if one is oblivious to the fact that he or she is doing good works, they certainly aren’t being done for the wrong reasons.

The Great Commandment

Good works flow out of authentic faith. It is faith and obedience that will be rewarded; faith in Christ Jesus and obedience to His commandments – the greatest of which are set forth in Matthew 22:37-40. When asked which is the great commandment in the law, Jesus responded:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 22:37-40

There are two small words in this reply to the Pharisees that I find curious: “like it.” How, we must ask, is the second commandment like the first? I can only answer that it is like the first in its intensity – in its passion. It is like the first because it is equally great, equally vital.

Am I saying that we must love our neighbor with same intensity and the same passion with which we love God? Perhaps Jesus did when he instructed His disciples:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

John 13:34

Of course, we do not worship our neighbor. We do not pray to our neighbor. We do not evangelize about our neighbor.

But our neighbor is made in the image of God. If we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, should we not love our neighbor in the same way?

The concept of vertical love flowing out to horizontal love is wonderfully characterized by theologian Kent Hughes in his commentary on the first chapter of Philippians:

“Paul prayed that the Philippians’ love would overflow all dimensions in a lavish, ongoing, limitless love — an unremitting geyser of love up to God and a flood of love out to others.”

How We Love God

Crucially, the prophecy of the sheep and goats makes it absolutely clear that loving our neighbors is how we love God:

“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”

Matthew 25:40

Having been justified – declared righteous by the Lord – for their faith that has been manifested in love, vertical and horizontal, the sheep are sanctified by God – set apart for His special purpose.

The Fate of the Faithless

Jesus then turns to the goats in verses 41-43:

“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’”

The Bible defines sin as a transgression of God’s law. It seems the goats will look to Old Testament law – including the Ten Commandments – for their definition of what constitutes wickedness. Their perspective will be that sin is an act of commission, such as murder, theft, adultery or taking the Lord’s name in vain.

But that is not the case here. As we see in Matthew 25:44-46:

“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Sins of Omission

The condemned will be separated not on the basis of what they do, but on the basis of what they do not do. These sins are acts of omission rather than commission. It seems apparent the goats will fall short of the Lord’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself” and, in so doing, fail to love Him.

Like the goats, it is not difficult for us to minimize sins of omission through rationalization or ignorance. Each time we do so, however, minimizes what Jesus did for us on the cross. Instead, we must see all sin as disobedience to God and glorify Him for having saved us from it.

The Upward Call

In conclusion I believe this episode represents the essence of Christianity – and the manifestation of each God-inspired word written by every contributor to the Bible.

In Philippians 3:13-14, the apostle Paul has eloquently articulated the end game for the faithful:

“One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus has promised to return for His sheep and to make that call. This prophecy of the sheep and the goats makes the basis for that call irrefutable: faith in Jesus Christ that manifests in love – love of God and love of others.