Maintaining a Sense of Urgency

As the world moves away from God, we must stay close to Him.

Every day the world is moving further and further away from God. It is from this darkened world God has called us. As a united church, we are to be a watchman, warning the world of God's coming judgment and preaching the good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . of His coming Kingdom. As individuals, we are to be witnesses, showing God's way of life in action and being bright lights set on a hill.

So how do we keep our high calling in the forefront of our minds? In this fast-paced world, Satan wants us to become distracted and not have time for God. ProphecyA prediction of events to come. "A discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp[ecially] by foretelling future events" (Revised Thayer's Greek English Lexicon, "Propheteia"). tells us that the time is coming when some of God's people will not have the sense of urgency they need (Matthew 24:48-51 [48] But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
[49] And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
[50] The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
[51] And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

See All...). What must we do to maintain this sense of urgency—both for proclaiming God's Kingdom and preparing for it in our daily lives?

Remember Our First Love

We can remember when we first responded to the Father's calling. We remember how excited we were, and how many of us tried to convert others! We couldn't get enough of God's Word, as we learned more and more. Then a year passed…Then two…Then three. As time passed, it seemed the new truth became old hat.

Christ scolded the church at Ephesus because they left their first love of the truth (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 2:4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
See All...). Have we left our first love? After 10, 20, 30 or more years knowing God's truth, we can take it for granted and not realize how much we still need God. This is partly what happened to the Laodicean church (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 3:14-18 [14] And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
[15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
[16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
[17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
[18] I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

See All...). Christ encouraged them to repent and become zealous again (verse 19)!

Paul describes how ancient Israel was "baptized" and taught by God. Yet even with that knowledge they tempted Him, complained and got caught up in the ways of the nations around them. God was not pleased with most of them because of this, and their example is recorded for our learning.

Paul concludes this passage admonishing us, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:1-12 [1] Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
[2] And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
[3] And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
[4] And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
[5] But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
[6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
[7] Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
[8] Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
[9] Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
[10] Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
[11] Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
[12] Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

See All...). If we neglect our BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. study and prayer, we will not find favor with God, just like ancient Israel.

We understand that ancient Israel did not have God's Holy Spirit, and that is why they could not keep the spiritual intent of God's laws. It is through God's Spirit we can take heed and rekindle our first love!

Stir Up God's Spirit

Paul encourages us to stir up the Holy Spirit and not quench it (2 Timothy 1:6-7 [6] Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
[7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

See All...; 1 Thessalonians 5:19Quench not the Spirit.
See All...). By learning to use and yield to God's Spirit, we will stay focused on God and the need for His Kingdom. But we will quench God's Spirit by not applying it or letting it guide us (John 16:13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
See All...).

Christ emphasizes this point in the parable of the 10 virgins (Matthew 25:1-13 [1] Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
[2] And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
[3] They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
[4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
[5] While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
[6] And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
[7] Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
[8] And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
[9] But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
[10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
[11] Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
[12] But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
[13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

See All...). Five of the virgins stirred up God's Spirit, symbolized by lamp oil. Throughout their lives they let God's Spirit help them grow. The other five were quenching God's Spirit by lack of use.

The five foolish virgins did not prepare enough and were not ready when Christ returned. Although they did try to rekindle God's Spirit, it was too little, too late.

So how do we stir up God's Spirit? First and foremost, we must ask the Father to fill us with it (Luke 11:13If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
See All...; Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
See All...). When we ask for God's Spirit, our prayers must be sincere, not mere words. By fasting and prayer we draw closer to God (Isaiah 58:6-9 [6] Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
[7] Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
[8] Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.
[9] Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

See All...; Matthew 17:21Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
See All...). If our motives are right, God will honor our requests. But with more of God's gifts, more action and humility is required on our part (Luke 12:48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
See All...).

In the book of Acts we read about a man named Apollos. He understood the ScripturesThe divinely inspired writings of both the Old and New Testaments. The term Scripture is used in the New Testament to refer to both the Hebrew Bible (Luke 24:44-45) and the new apostolic writings accepted as inspired (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:18). well, even though he only knew the baptism of John. With this limited understanding he was still zealous in teaching others. Later as he learned more about Christ, he was able to use God's Spirit to teach even more powerfully (Acts 18:24-28 [24] And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
[25] This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
[26] And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
[27] And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
[28] For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

See All...).

How well can we teach God's Word to others? Can we refute popular teachings? Are we able to give an answer to those who ask (1 Peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
See All...)? This ability to give an answer comes by studying God's Word and letting God's Holy Spirit guide us. Let's not forget that without God's Spirit, we cannot please Him (Romans 8:6-9 [6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
[7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
[8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
[9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

See All...). The more God is pleased with us, the more His Spirit will work in us. We need to stir up the Holy Spirit so God can use each of us more powerfully!

Be Diligent

King Solomon said a lot about diligence. He said that the diligent will rule, and will stand before kings (Proverbs 12:24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
See All...; 22:29). We are destined to rule, and we all want to stand before the King of Kings! So diligence must be a part of our lives.

The New TestamentThe 27 authoritative books of the apostolic writings: the four Gospels of Christ, Acts (a history), 21 apostolic letters and the book of Revelation. also encourages us to be diligent. Hebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
See All... tells us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 6:11And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
See All... encourages us to show diligence until the end. Hebrews 12:15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
See All... tells us to look carefully (diligently) or we will fall short of God's grace.

Peter, too, teaches diligence. He tells us to be diligent to be found spotless and blameless before God, and to diligently build upon our spiritual foundations (2 Peter 3:14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
See All...; 1:5-10).

Being a Christian requires work! How much effort are we putting into that work? We spend a lot of our time taking care of our physical needs. How much time to do we spend taking care of our spiritual needs?

We know very well Christ's words, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
See All...). Are these mere words, or a call to action? What is more urgent—wearing the latest fashions or being clothed in righteousness? Our actions tell the answer.

Christ used the parable of the talents to illustrate the need for diligence (Matthew 25:14-30 [14] For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
[15] And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
[16] Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
[17] And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
[18] But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
[19] After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
[20] And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
[21] His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
[22] He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
[23] His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
[24] Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
[25] And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
[26] His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
[27] Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
[28] Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
[29] For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
[30] And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

See All...). Two of the three servants diligently worked and increased what was given to them. The other one put forth no effort at all.

God has given each of us the truth, as well as natural and spiritual abilities. We must put forth the diligence to increase these gifts. As shown in the parable, the servants' diligence was rewarded, not their ability. God is looking at what we do with our talents, not how many we have.

Remember the widow's two mites (Luke 21:1-4 [1] And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
[2] And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
[3] And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
[4] For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

See All...)? For offerings the rich gave from their abundance, but the widow gave all she had. The widow understood her need for God, and the need for God's work to be done. She was wholehearted, whereas the rich did not really sacrifice. Who do you think was blessed more?

God does not want us to do just what is required. He wants us to go above and beyond, like the widow (Luke 17:10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
See All...). Without diligence we cannot grow, and will not have the urgency we need.

Stay Committed

In Luke 9:62And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
See All... Christ says, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Christ also tells us to remember Lot's wife (Luke 17:32Remember Lot's wife.
See All...). She didn't want to leave the society she lived in. How about us? Do we want God's Kingdom now, or do we want it to wait several years so we can enjoy our lifestyle now? The more committed we are, the more we will see the need for and pray more earnestly for God's Kingdom!

Paul encourages us in Galatians 6:9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
See All..., "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Those of us who have been in the Church over 20 years can remember Herbert Armstrong comparing our Christian lives to a race. He kept encouraging us that Christ's return was near. But some of God's people got discouraged and left. They did not endure to the end. They lost heart. When they found out there were more laps to run, they quit.

Paul, too, likened our calling to a race—a race of endurance. Paul said we must run our race with discipline, being focused on the prize. We must put our whole mind and body in subjection toward that lofty goal (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 [24] Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
[25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
[26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
[27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

See All...).

Let's not forget, the prize we are seeking is eternal life in God's Kingdom! Christ tells us, "Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown" (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 3:11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
See All...). God has reserved a crown of righteousness for each of us. God will not quit on us, but we can quit on ourselves if we don't stay committed.

If we have accepted God's calling, then we simply cannot look back! We are committed now. God is judging us now, and if we willfully reject His calling we are in danger of losing our eternal life (1 Peter 4:17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
See All...; Hebrews 10:26-27 [26] For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
[27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

See All...).

Of course that is what Satan wants us to do, give up! And he will do anything he can to try to make us lose our reward (1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
See All...). So how do we stay committed with Satan and society attacking us?

Being together with our fellow saints is an important way to stay committed. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:23-25 [23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
[24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
[25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

See All...).

The more we are with God's people, the more encouraged and committed we will become. When we stay home and do not interact with others, we can easily get distracted and drift away. And once we are on the path of distractions, it is only a matter of time before we neglect our calling and quench God's Holy Spirit in us (Hebrews 2:1-3 [1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
[2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

See All...).

Watching world events helps us stay committed. We don't have to look far to see how the world is falling apart around us. Now is not the time to be separated from God! As we see the results of Satan's present rule of the earth, we should more urgently pray, "Your kingdom come!"

God takes special notice of those who yearn for His Kingdom. In Ezekiel 9:4And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
See All... God tells His angel to "put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done…" Do you and I have God's mark on us? Do we really understand how much the world needs God? The more we understand, the more committed we will be.

Be Ready

Paul admonishes us, "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed" (Romans 13:11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
See All...). And, "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away…How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation…?" (Hebrews 2:1-3 [1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
[2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

See All...).

The parable of the faithful and evil servants illustrates our need to always be ready. The evil servant thought that Christ was delaying His coming and got caught up in the ways of the world. Because of his neglect, he was caught off guard when Christ returned. That servant lost his reward because he wasn't ready (Matthew 24:48-51 [48] But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
[49] And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
[50] The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
[51] And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

See All...).

Notice Christ's words about the faithful servant: "Who then is a faithful and wise servant…? Blessed is that servant whom his master [Christ], when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods" (Matthew 24:45-47 [45] Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
[46] Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
[47] Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

See All...). Are we faithful servants?

During his ministry Paul did not think he had already attained salvation. He understood the need to stay focused on God's calling (Philippians 3:12-14; 1 Corinthians 9:27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
See All...). Yet when Paul realized his life was almost over, he knew that he had endured and finished his race. He knew he would receive his crown of righteousness, along with all the other faithful saints (2 Timothy 4:7-8 [7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
[8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

See All...). Like Paul, we must endure until the end or until our dying day (Mark 13:13And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
See All...).

What if you or I died tomorrow? Would we be confident that we would be in the first resurrection? Whether we die at 20 or 100, we will be with Christ at our next thought if we are faithful to the end.

Yes, we must maintain a sense of urgency and work out our own salvation (Philippians 2:12-13). Much has been given to each of us, and much is required. If we do nothing with the truth God has given us, He will take it away. But if we are diligent and continue to grow spiritually, God will make us rulers for all eternity.

As Peter encourages us, "Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble. For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:10-11 [10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
[11] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

See All...).

Let's keep our sense of urgency so we can enter that everlasting Kingdom of God! UN