SETTLE IT BEFORE SLEEPING

MEMORISE: ‘Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not
the Son of man cometh “ (Matt 24:44)
READ: 2 Peter 3:1-14

Christianity in biblical days used to be exciting and challenging. People feared to offend God and when they did, they lost their peace and became restless until they had settled matters. Today, however, many professing believers are not as God-conscious. They indulge in sin with reckless abandon and without their conscience pricking them. There is no fear of God in their eyes. They fit the description of those who have ‘seared their conscience with a hot iron’ so they do not react against sin any longer.

To be at the point where a Christian is sinning and doesn’t feel his conscience is very dangerous. Obviously it starts with ignoring certain sins and sweeping them under the carpet. Because sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of man is set to do evil.’ Not receiving an immediate punishment for sin has led many to return to their vomit and drink sin like water. In the process they deaden their conscience to any feelings of guilt.

If you feel at ease when you tell a lie or cheat, then something is wrong some where. If your conscience no longer bothers you about wrongdoing, go back to the cross and ask to be born again. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says: ‘Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?’

This calls for daily examination. It is a deliberate act to keep you in check. The King is coming unannounced, like a thief in the night. If he meets you in unconfessed sin – can you go with him? Henceforth, resolve to leave no sin unconfessed. Before going to bed, settle it with the Lord. Release all who have offended you and keep your heart pure and your hands clean. During the day, if you sin, stop right there and confess before God. Your right attitude will determine your readiness for the coming King.