Western Christianity Is In ICU

The Lord Jesus told us that all who belong to Him, truly belong to Him (Mt 7:21) enter through the narrow gate and continually walk the narrow way (Mt 7:14). The original Greek word for “narrow” used in this passage is θλίβω (transliterated thlíbō), which means: to afflict, distress. This is why only a few find it, delight in it, and abide in it (Ps 119:47, 72).

The narrow gate and the narrow way isn’t difficult for the many to find or see because it’s minuscule and dull. For all things of the Great I AM is as He is—exceptional in grandeur and magnificent in structure!

Only a few find the narrow gate and remain on the narrow way, because it is the gate and way of affliction.

[W]e have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh…So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Cor 4:7-12, 16-18)

and,

Whoever says “I know Him” but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps His Word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in Him: whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked. (1 Jn 2:4-67)

It’s never about what we or others say about us that counts for anything in God’s eyes (Gal 5:6, Jer 17:9-10, Ecc 7:21-22). It’s in the daily habits of our lives (Mk 8:34) which prove the power of the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work in the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control of Christ, strikingly manifested in us (Gal 5:22-23).

Western Christianity is not in ICU because we’re too injured or weary from persecutions and afflictions for the sake of Christ. Western Christianity is in ICU because too many of us have become Christian picnickers rather than Christian soldiers; sitting comfortably on the sidelines, always seeking to enjoy something from the Lord, while striving to avoid the afflictions of the Lord.

So choose this day whom you will love and honor above all else: Christ or self.

Remember, it’s never too late to do the right thing—unless you’re dead.

Now, may the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ, so that you may not be ashamed at His appearing. (2 Thess 3:5, 1 Jn 2:28)