We do not have the option of lighting our light one moment and then putting it out at the moment we are ridiculed or persecuted. Our light must shine brightly – shine forth for the Lord year in and year out!
The year 2024 is about to come to an end and the year 2025 will begin. It is traditional for people to gather together on New Year’s Eve to enjoy each other’s company and acknowledge the beginning of the New Year. Some suggest that this is the period of time where we close one chapter of our life and begin in another. I suppose that one can view the Old and New Year in such a manner, but there is something much more important to be considered. At some point in time, you and I will close out our life in this world and begin eternity! When this moment occurs, it will matter greatly whether or not we have faithfully served the Lord “year in and year out”. Let us make sure that we take the time to evaluate our lives in view of the coming Lord in judgment on this world (2 Thes. 1:7-9). Consider these things as 2024 comes to a close:
Am I concerned about sacred matters year in and year out? The Lord’s church and proper worship is so important that God’s inspired Word regulates both. The religion of the Bible is not something that one can successfully trifle with. The cost of Christianity and the Lord’s church is indeed high. In order for the redemption of man to be possible, the Father gave His only begotten Son (Jn. 3:16), and the Son willingly gave His life (Matt. 27:20; Rom. 5:8).
It is no wonder that Christ said, “If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments” (Jn. 14:15). The Savior paid a tremendous price for being the “Lamb of God” (Jn. 1:29) and the “good shepherd” (Jn. 10:11). His precious blood was shed to purchase His church (Acts 20:28). Never forget that it was not your blood or my blood that purchased the church! Such being the case, all authority belongs to Christ as the head and savior of the body (Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23). Those who desire to go to heaven will respect what God has said regarding the proper worship of the church. We must be concerned about sacred matters year in and year out. The Lord was and is.
Am I committed to worshipping and serving the Lord year in and year out? Some things in this life are hit or miss on again, off again, or seasonal or periodic. Normally, however, we are more committed to those things that are near and dear to our hearts. Can we truly say that worshipping and serving the Lord is something that we are determined to do year in and year out? Spasmodic or half-hearted allegiance is in vain and is detested by the Lord. To the church at Laodicea He said, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth” (Rev. 3:15-16). After one’s conversion, he must continue to faithfully walk in the light of God’s Word (1 Jn. 1:7).
Allegiance to the Lord and His cause is second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year. There are no vacations when one is enrolled in service to the King. May we remember that our sights are set on things above (Col. 3:2) and on a “city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb. 11:10)?
Am I concerned about being the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” year in and year out (Matt. 5:13- 16)? Some members of the Lord’s church do good for a while, as they seem to be concerned about their influence and being a good example. But then something happens, and perhaps at least part of the credit goes to a most formidable foe, Satan (1 Pet. 5:8). Members of the body either forget or do not care that their light is not to be hidden or covered up. God would have our light to always shine like a beacon so that all can see, and so that He might be glorified. We do not have the option of lighting our light one moment and then putting it out at the moment we are ridiculed or persecuted. Study carefully Matthew 5:13-16! If the salt ever loses it savor (flavor and preserving power) it is “good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men” (Matt. 5:13). Our light must shine brightly – shine forth for the Lord year in and year out!
Am I committed to loving the lost year in and year out? Manmade denominations are more than confused when it comes to the subject of love. Many advocate love without obedience, but such love is not the love that God demands. The writer of Hebrews proves such in saying, “though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb. 5:8-9).
One cannot love God who does not keep (obey) His commandments (Jn. 14:15). One cannot be saved without obeying the Gospel (2 Thes. 1:8). It is not a gospel or my gospel but the Gospel that saves (Gal. 1:6-9; Rom. 1:16). If we are committed to saving lost souls, we will always speak the truth as only the truth can free one from the bondage of sin (Jn. 8:32).
Faithfulness to God is required year in and year out!
-Marvin Weir and Richard D. Melson
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