Enough!

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.

In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. I Pet. 4:1-5

Well, Christians, have we not spent enough time in the past doing the will of unbelievers? Have we not wandered long enough in aimless conduct, received by tradition from our fathers? (I Pet. 1:18) Is it not time to heed that trustworthy Voice of the Lord, who commanded in Ezekiel 44:6, “Let us have no more of your abominations”?!

Enough is enough!

We have spent enough time loving the world and the things in the world. We have let the world determine how far we should go with the Lord, rather than letting the Lord determine our relationship with the world. Who or what, then, is our lord? Do we no longer believe that if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him? (I Jn. 2:15)

“In the world but not of the world” sounds so pious on the lips of the religious “Christian” idolater. He hates the one who rebukes in the gate, and speaks evil of him. He imagines that the Spirit of God does not really lust to envy–or yearn jealously–in the face of spiritual adultery (James 4:5). He has lain in the lap of Delilah so long that his hair has been shorn, and the grieved Holy Spirit is long gone, but he insists that his continued feasting at the table of the devil is sanctioned by God. He does not see that though he claims to be “not of the world,” he loves the world, he is of the world, he is loved by the world, and he is perishing with the world.

Jesus comes to the Laodicean church, pleading with those inside to let Him apply some eye salve to their blinded eyes. But the church mostly shrugs and insists that she sees just fine without His help. She seeks council of other idolaters, who assure her she is right to disregard Him. She beats Him and sends Him away, having branded Him a legalist, a killjoy, and a cultish freak.

Yes, she is fine without the help of Jesus. Her people have their programs, their doctrines, their baptismal certificates. They have put in their time, won the approval of other men, and don’t need anyone rocking the boat. When the world’s parade comes to town, she fully intends to have a little fun. She is so devoted to her idols, the devil himself can sign his name on them, and she will still bow down. All while claiming to be walking with Christ and in no spiritual danger.

Enough is not enough, to this adulterous wife. The flood of dissipation is quite comfortable to her. The pain of the One who died to redeem her means nothing to her. She doesn’t take the time to find out what He wants; she decides for herself what He will have to live with. “Lord, Lord,” she says, while painting her face for her other lovers.

I have decided to follow Jesus.
No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, still I will follow.
No turning back, no turning back.

Have you decided to follow Jesus even if none go with you?

It is a lonely road for the pilgrim who loves the Voice of Jesus, and hates the things He hates. It is not a road where all speak well of you. It is a road where deeds done and words spoken with the best intentions possible will be used to make you look like a fool. However, since our Redeeming Lord suffered for us in the flesh, let us arm ourselves with the same mind. We don’t suffer alone. We suffer with Jesus and with all who love Him in sincerity.

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. I Tim. 3:12