Without question, all of us suffer trials in our life—some more than others. Perhaps we are going through a trial right now. In the face of trials, we may look upon them as a sign of God’s displeasure or correction, and this may well be the case. Unfortunately, trials may tend to breed a sense of doubt, bewilderment, depression, and even of anger and frustration. They can lay heavily on our minds, whether they come upon us suddenly as when an accident occurs, or whether they creep up on us gradually, as when a sickness takes hold and lingers, and we may wonder: “Have I sinned? Is that why I’m suffering?” It is always good to ask ourselves this question, but sometimes, individual sin may not be the reason for our trial.

For those of us called by God, the hardest trials are those which occur seemingly in spite of our faithfulness to God’s Word. But we should keep in mind, as David tells us: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them ALL” (Psalm 34:19). And Paul tells us: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

We ought to realize that in the absence of trials in our Christian life, the ultimate tragedy would not be our physical death, but to lose the potential to be given eternal life. Thus trials must come if we expect immortality and real power as kings, priests and judges in God’s Kingdom. Otherwise, without testing us now through trial as free moral agents, God could not entrust us as immortal beings with all the power that will accompany that reward. We might say that God has to see what we are made of before He will imbue us with such great power. The complicity of Satan, a spirit being, to sin continually is THE example of what God wants to avoid with those of us whom He has called and sanctified and who are yet to be changed into spirit beings, having successfully endured our trials.

Trials can lead to either spiritual growth or bitterness. The response of those who suffer determines the result. We as Christians are bound to experience trials in order for us to demonstrate our faith in God and His promises. Our faith needs to be tried in order for it to be strengthened. Trials should never be a reason to dispense with faith—faith that comes to us through Jesus Christ.

James 1:2-3 tells us: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” To count our trial for joy is sometimes easier said than done, but we all need to grow in patience, when a trial comes upon us.

The trials we suffer from time to time do tend to try our patience and our faith, and necessarily so. In a familiar verse Peter exhorts us: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you [in effect] partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

How do we cope in the meantime? We will find encouragement when we accept a three-pronged solution to our trials, i.e. faith in God’s promises (compare Psalm 34); obedience toward His laws; and patience. They all go hand-in-hand.

Let us recall that verse in Hebrews 11:6 that tells us: “But without faith it is impossible to please [God].” If we do not please God, He will not be pleased with us. By surviving trials, be they mild or excruciating, with strength and determination and dignity, we are allowing God to build His righteous character in us, so that we become worthy of those blessings He holds out for those of us who endure to the end. As the end-time events rapidly manifest themselves, we all look forward to protection during the Great Tribulation yet to come upon this world. Let us pray fervently that we shall be counted worthy to escape THAT awful trial (compare Luke 21:36).

Knowing what we know separates us from those who believe differently. Others might casually recognize this fact, but it certainly should be more than apparent among those who have been called by God.

It is God’s intention and according to His purpose that how we live is unlike others. Jesus prayed for His followers, and we must never lose sight of the deep implications of what He requested from the Father:

“‘I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth’” (John 17:14-17).

We see from this that it is God’s TRUTH that sets us apart from others.

The apostle John emphatically draws the contrast between Christians and those who follow another path: “We know that WE are of God, and the WHOLE WORLD lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19).

The Word of God describes those who are guilty of disobedience as walking in darkness—as not practicing the truth (compare 1 John 1:6). Although we all were once guilty of this destructive way of living, we are to be different: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

Our separation from those who are deceived is as distinctly and vividly contrasted as light is to darkness! We have become parted from the ways of this world! Yet, as we continue to serve God, the somber darkness of this age deepens. Remember—Jesus said, “‘YOU are the light of the world’” (Matthew 5:14).

Having come this far, how do we face what is surely going to happen? We know the prophecies of God, and believing them, we definitely don’t want the same fate as those who defy God and impudently rebel against His revealed Truth. Even as we now live in–but separate from– the world, so must we continue, and we find this promise:

“But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever BRIGHTER unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18).

Many years ago, I heard a religious pop song. It was not particularly artful or that appealing, but one line was repeated over and over, and it stuck in my mind. Even today, I sometimes think of that song and its reiterated question. It was a simple one: “Are you ready…?”

In Matthew 24:44, Jesus gave all of His disciples this sobering warning: “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Christ referred to our need to be ready at all times–because nobody knows the day of his death. When we die, we will be awakened within the next second of our consciousness. For those, who die in Christ, it is as if they were immediately with Christ (Philippians 1:23)–even though, in reality, years may pass, before they hear the voice of the Son of Man calling them out of their graves (John 5:28-29). Christ’s warning to be ready is an ongoing and continuing one: “He is coming” to His disciples at an unexpected hour, as Matthew 24:44 says.

The question is, Are we ready NOW–TODAY–for His Coming? Or are we delaying and waiting for tomorrow to become serious or make necessary amends? Consider this: Tomorrow may never come for you. You may DIE tonight! Think of the rich man who was anxious to lay up many goods for many years, but God said to him: “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you… So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20-21). James gives us a similar warning: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13-14).

We need to make sure that we are ready “today.” That we obey God’s Word today! That we are ready TODAY to give a defense to everyone who asks us about our faith (compare 1 Peter 3:15). At the same time, as Ecclesiastes 5:1 says in the Authorized Version, we must be attentive in Church services and “READY to hear” and to listen to the message, “with a view of obedience” (Ryrie Study Bible), and we must apply the words of instruction and correction to ourselves.

It is important that we reject TODAY any rebellion and unbelief. Rather than delaying, Hebrews 3:7, 13 admonishes us: “TODAY, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion… exhort one another DAILY, while it is called, ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin…” (compare Hebrews 4:7; Psalm 95:7).

When God speaks to us today, we must respond immediately. Exodus 34:11 tells us: “Observe what I command you THIS DAY.” Shortly before his death, Joshua challenged the people of Israel: “… choose for yourselves THIS DAY whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). God tells us that He is READY to judge us (1 Peter 4:5)–but are WE ready for His judgment? We might think so, but Jesus Christ reminded us that even though our spirit might be ready, the flesh is weak (Mark 14:38).

Christ told the church in Sardis to be “watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are READY to DIE” (Revelation 3:2). This is not the kind of readiness we want to have! He continued: “Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you” (Revelation 3:3).

Nobody knows the day of his death. Today is the time for change. Today is the time to embrace and uphold the right and reject the wrong.

When we give our word, let us not delay to keep it. Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 tells us: “When you make a vow [a promise] to God [or another person], do not delay to pay it… Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands?”

When we have opportunity to do good, let us not delay to do it. Proverbs 3:28 tells us: “Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,’ When you have it with you.” Paul admonished the wealthy to be “rich in good works, READY to give, willing to share… that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

How often have we missed today’s opportunities to do good to others–thinking that we can do it tomorrow–or the day after that? Let’s not wait. Let’s give flowers to the living, as we have opportunity. Let’s be “READY for every good work” (Titus 3:1; compare Galatians 6:10).

Are you ready…? An old Latin proverb says, “Carpe diem.” It means, “Seize the day!” Make the most of it. Take advantage of the moment. Don’t delay. Don’t wait for tomorrow–because your tomorrow may never come.

The word “conformity” can have both good and bad connotations. It is defined as “similarity in form or character; agreement; action or behavior in correspondence with socially accepted standards, conventions, rules, or laws.”

The world has just kept some of its festivals, and many have conformed to keeping Christmas and New Year because of peer pressure; not wanting to upset children, parents or family; or because it was a good excuse for a few days off work with, in many cases, riotous and wanton celebration.

Of course, there were those who kept those days moderately and in good conscience–although they were “sincerely wrong”–but even such people are becoming the minority, as the supposedly religious “Christian” aspect fades from view for the majority.

Had many not spent lavishly at the end of the year, businesses who rely on this trade may have been put out of business and that could have exacerbated an already fragile economic situation. But that was not the reason that people spent; it was simply what they wanted to do.

People conform for all sorts of selfish and personal reasons: Wanting to belong; not wanting to be ostracized in their society; wanting to be seen at various functions or with organizations; attending church because it’s the “thing to do” especially at Christmas and Easter; and so on. This conformity is something with which a true Christian must not be involved.

However, conformity can be a good thing when channeled the right way. I am referring to conformity to the Way of God, conformity to His Word and conformity to His Commandments (compare Romans 12:2). This is not self-seeking, but a humble approach to the One Who gives us every breath we breathe.

Conformity to God and His Way is totally opposite to the conformity that this world practices, particularly at the time of the year that has just passed. When we conform, let us be in line with our God and not in tune with what the world expects of us. Then we will always be in a winning situation!

Nearly 145 years ago the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution was passed by Congress abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude.  It was a long time in coming, and most suppose it a thing of the past in the United States.

Yet, in this past year we have made great advances back into it!  How could this be?  How could such a forward looking and advanced society be heading back into what we once came out of?

The federal government, this past year, “printed” an unprecedented amount of money (that is not backed by any asset) for dubious reasons and is committed to implementing programs that cannot be funded by the current tax structure.  Even those with the most basic of math abilities can see that this does not add up.

The only solution that remains for those that have now been forced to live under plans not of their choosing, is to now spend more time, money and effort working for their “master.”  The question that then remains is, at what point in time do we actually quit being free and become slaves to a system that continues to demand more and more from everyone? At what point do we become “a person held in servitude” or “one that is completely subservient to a dominating influence”?

What should not be forgotten is that the majority of the people voted for and have chosen the leaders that we now have.  This is what “we,” as a democratic nation, have asked for.  “We” believe in this type of government and leadership, and this is what follows.

But, this is only a blip on the map of time, and certainly optimism and success will prevail! Wrong… and right! 

Presently we are and have been setting ourselves up for cataclysmic failure.  The economic slavery that we are coming under now is only a precursor to what is coming down the road.  The real concern is that the next time it will not be under the “light” hand of our present governmental administration, but it will be from the heavy hand of a foreign entity… the beast power spoken of in the Bible.

That beast power will form out of the coalescing countries of the European Union which will soon refine itself into a core of 10 nations (or groups of nations) and will foist itself upon the world and in particular the descendants of Jacob (compare our free booklets, “Europe in Prophecy” and “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America”). The EU is already exerting economic pressures on the US and will continue do so to a greater extent.  It will not stop there.  In fact, this will serve as a platform for its rise to a military preeminence and an instrument of religious persecution.  Through these devices, a more egregious slavery will come, an epoch alluded to as the time of Jacob’s trouble (compare our free booklet, “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord”).  It will be an event that is so terrible, that it is said “that none is like it” (Jeremiah 30:6-8).  

We have seen a process here of one type of slavery leading to another.  However, we started in the middle of the progression.  The real beginning was with another slavery — one to sin and the father of it, Satan. Paul states in Romans 6:16, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death….”  It is sin that ensnares and captures us, and we become slaves to it and to the wiles of the devil.

It is this brand of slavery that has led the people of this nation to push aside God as their leader.  Those sold under sin have discarded Him and His ways and have opted once again to be led by man.  In 1 Samuel 8:7-17 there is a parallel that we can see in our ancestors.  In these verses God tells Samuel that it is Him that they have rejected.  Samuel then goes on to elaborate many of the problems that would ensue with switching their trust and reliance to a man.  And then note the last verse in this section:  “…. And you will be his [the leader’s] servants.” 

This course of action, being slaves to sin firstly and then slaves to the leader of their very own nation, continued to play out as they eventually became literal slaves to conquering peoples of surrounding nations. 

Does this ring a bell?  History is repeating itself!  And prophecy, which is history written in advance, bears this out.  Slavery can lead to slavery which can lead to slavery.

But the Good News is that God has made a path by which we can escape and avoid slavery.  Through the death of Christ we can be released from a lifetime of bondage (compare Hebrews 2:14-15) and not have to return to this “yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1), whether physical or spiritual.  The great news is that we NOW have this opportunity to be free of the shackles of a froward way of life.  But there is the necessity of having “…obedience leading to righteousness” as the rest of Romans 6:16 finishes up stating.  If we are willing to commit fully to pursuing God and the wonderful way of life that He has set before us (compare Deuteronomy 30:19), then we “may have life” and “have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).  Therefore, LET US CHOOSE FREEDOM!

One of the most moving and emotionally charged accounts in the Bible is the story of Joseph in chapters 37 to 50 of the book of Genesis–especially those Scriptures which describe his reconciliation with his brothers and the settlement of his father Jacob and his whole family in the land of Goshen in Egypt.

The record covers the jealousy of Joseph’s brothers because of his special relationship with God and Jacob; their original intent to murder him; and, due to Reuben’s intervention, their decision to sell him into slavery. It reports that the brothers deceived their father by presenting to him Joseph’s tunic of many colors which they had covered in animal blood; and relates how Joseph became a servant in the house of Potiphar in Egypt.

We can read about the famous episode of Potiphar’s wife trying to seduce Joseph; his rejection of her advances since he did not want to sin against God or betray his employer; and his imprisonment as a consequence. Because of his correct interpretation of two dreams, he came to the attention of Pharaoh. He was released from prison; rose to prominence in Egypt; and set aside grain to provide for food, as God had warned that a famine would come over the whole world. This famine caused Jacob to send his brothers to Egypt to buy food there. After several incidents, Joseph revealed himself to them and obtained the consent of Pharaoh to bring his whole family to Egypt in order to settle there.

Joseph set an inspiring example for us in the way he directed his life, and how he coped with the trials which he faced.

He was betrayed by his brothers; and while he was testing them later to see whether they had repented, there is no account of him seeking revenge for their misdeeds. While in Potiphar’s household, he was faithful in his responsibilities and resisted the easy temptation and continued insistence of Potiphar’s wife to commit adultery with her. He set a fine example for young men in this day and age who may encounter similar temptations, and he showed a solid foundation in not wanting to sin against God.

Due to the lies and false accusations of Potiphar’s wife, he went to jail, but while waiting patiently for God’s intervention, he found favor with the keeper of the prison. He eventually was released and rose in power and authority within the Egyptian ruling class, and he finally understood that God had planned from the outset to bring him to Egypt and give him great power in order to be able to save millions of people from famine. Ultimately, he was able to reconcile with his brothers and present himself to his father Jacob, who had thought him dead for many years. All of this shows that with endurance and continued trust in God and His plan for us, things will eventually work out for good.

For those of us who are called in this day and age and who will be given eternal life at Christ’s coming, we will ultimately experience the great joy of an emotional reunion with our families who were not called to salvation in this life, but who will be raised in the Second Resurrection. As Joseph’s brothers realized what they had done and bitterly repented, so we will be able to assist our relatives in their choice to accept Christ as their Savior and walk in God’s way which will lead to eternal life for them. Imagine their surprise when they see they have been raised from the dead as physical beings and see us alive–as glorified beings. And as Joseph was able to satisfy the physical needs of his family members, so we will be able, on a much greater level, to take care of our relatives in physical and spiritual ways.

Joseph’s inspiring example contains the abiding lesson for all of us that patient endurance of our trials and unwavering faith in God will bring a positive, joyful and successful outcome–not just for us, but also for others.

In Proverbs 27: 7, King Solomon stated: “A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.”

This ancient proverb is very relevant today, even though its meaning may not be all that clear at first sight. The New Ungers Bible Dictionary explains that the word “honey” is used in the Bible to “denote sweet discourse,” and that the “Word of God is compared to honey and described as spiritually delectable.” Psalms 119:103-104 confirms this, saying, “How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.”

But why would–and how could–a satisfied soul “loathe” honey? And more to the point, could we in the Church of God adopt an attitude of “loathing” the “Word of God”? The answer is simply “yes”–and this is so because of our “human nature.” God was aware of our tendency to forget Him and “loathe” His Word. He inspired Moses to write a warning for ancient Israel, which also applies today to the modern descendants of Israel and to spiritual Israel–the Church of God.

In Deuteronomy 8:11, He says through Moses: “Beware that you DO NOT FORGET the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today…” He continues in verses 14-19: “… when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God… who fed you in the wilderness… [and] you say in your heart, ‘MY power and the might of MY hand have gained me this wealth,’ [then] you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth… Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them,  I testify against you this day that you shall perish.”

It is within human nature to forget God and His Word–to “loathe” His Way of life–and to return to sin. Solomon is warning us that it is possible to become so satisfied with our own accomplishments that we can become self-sufficient, instead of relying on God. In the end time, this tendency will be predominant in the church of the Laodiceans. In Revelation 3:16, Christ says that He will vomit luke-warm Church members out of His mouth. Continuing in verse 17, Christ describes the true nature and condition of the “satisfied” and “self-sufficient” soul which “loathes” the Word of God–without even realizing it: “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’–and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…” (Compare James 1:22-24).

But Solomon is not only warning those who “loathe” God and His Word, he is also giving encouragement and praise to those who do not fall into this trap. He continues to say in Proverbs 27:7: “…But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.” When we are hungry for God and His Way of Life, we will consider even “bitter” experiences as “sweet” and necessary; realizing that they are happening to us to help us to become more and more perfect.

Notice how Christ continues with His strong reproof to the Laodiceans, in Revelation 3:18-19: “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. AS MANY AS I LOVE, I REBUKE AND CHASTEN. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

Job was self-righteous and thought that he could do no wrong. Without realizing it, he “loathed” and rejected God’s chastening. But after God allowed him to be “put in his place,” he came to comprehend how wrong he was. He had to go through severe tests. He had to reach the point where his soul was hungry for God’s chastisement in his life, understanding that it was necessary for his perfection.

We need to be careful not to exclude God from our lives. Christ is not “in the lives” of the Laodiceans; rather, He is standing outside–at the door; knocking; wanting to be let in (Revelation 3:20). We must never forget that “every good gift” –including tests and trials–comes from above. We need to keep in mind that the bitterness of God’s tests and trials is shaping our character and helping us to grow and to overcome. Revelation 3:21 contains this promise: “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”

Our future is right in front of us. Let us never think that we have no need for growth and spiritual perfection. Let us never “loathe” God’s Way and HIS Will for us, and let us embrace the “bitterness” of God’s trials, considering them as “sweet” and counting them as “joy” (James 1:2).

Catastrophic occurrences usually happen very quickly. People are seemingly never prepared for the worst!

No measure can apply to the things that will most certainly begin to happen in the near future. The provable truth of this statement is borne out by what Jesus Christ said: “‘For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be'” (Matthew 24:21).

Jesus also describes the state of mind of the people who will face this incomparable cataclysm: “‘For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be'” (Matthew 24:38-39).

Noah was the exception in his day, and his actions are recounted for us: “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” (Hebrews 11:7).

We, the elect of God, have been warned, and that means we have been made aware in advance of actual or potential harm, danger, or evil! Jesus emphasized this when He said: “‘See, I have told you beforehand'” (Matthew 24:25).

Along with preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, true Christians have anticipated the end of the age that prophecies graphically reveal. In point of fact, the Church is strictly warned that as we see the Day  approaching, we are to lift our voices by strong, stirring argument, admonition, advice, and appeal–that is, to exhort one another (compare Hebrews 10:19-25)!

This is our time to heed, to prepare, to be ready with all fervency–for what is coming will come, and when it does take place, it will happen all too suddenly!

Jesus was never too timid or shy to express the truth in the strongest terms. Sometimes, He spoke purposefully in figurative language to test His disciples’ commitment to God. On other occasions, He struck to the core of their innermost motives and hidden feelings, to let them know that He understood their thoughts and could read their hearts.

Christ did not go on a crusade to gain a following, knowing that God the Father must call and draw people to Him. At times, He even dissuaded people from walking with Him. He was more concerned with the quality, rather than the quantity, of His disciples. He did not perform public signs or miracles to be accepted or admired. He shocked people by saying and doing things which were unexpected.

Many of the early followers of Christ fell into the carnal trap of pursuing wrong goals and giving in to distracting desires, craving for recognition, power, or doing “great things.” How about us today? Are we interested in spiritual growth–in gaining a better understanding of the true values of Christian living–or are we content with the “knowledge” that we think we have? Are we frozen in time, refusing to follow Christ wherever He leads us? Or, are we anxious to come up with and teach “something new,” in order to “reach” and “attract” those with itching ears who are always learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth–let alone accepting the love of the truth?

Are we really focusing on God’s Kingdom and His righteousness–or are we concerned about how well people like and accept us? Do we look at “Church assembly” as a place for social activities–for “fun and games”? Is our Church attendance dependent on how few or how many members show up, and who in particular? Is our Christian life only worthwhile to us, when we are prosperous or financially secure, or healthy, or accepted by others, or successful in our physical endeavors? Are we happy and relaxed when things go “our way,” but do we fall into depression and despair when our wishes don’t correspond with God’s perfect Will for us? Are we conditioning our doctrinal understanding on how it affects our personal life?

Are we determined to carry on with the work or responsibility which God has given us–individually and collectively–no matter how our task is viewed or received by others? Do we measure our “favor” or “success” with God by how many people respond to our message–or, how many other groups might want to merge with our particular organization? Are we willing to compromise or “re-evaluate” our beliefs, so we can become part of “something bigger”? Are we desperate to be able to “report” some spectacular healings–imagined or real–in order to “prove” that God is with us? Do we think we must preach some “new truth,” proclaim some prophetic speculation, or set dates for Christ’s return, in order to gain or maintain attention?

God wants to see in us strong and unwavering convictions. He wants us to stay focused and to allow Him to build His righteous character in us. He wants us to fulfill our duties, and to follow Him gladly and thankfully in “good times and in bad times.” He wants us to concentrate on the true goals and values–not on cheap and passing “substitutes.” He wants us to learn more and more how to follow Christ’s example in everything. Is that what you want?

Recently, my wife and I moved to a new home. In over 44 years of marriage, this was our ninth move, but we were in our last place for nearly 14 years. Even though we had moved many times in the past, we had forgotten what a trauma it can be, and what needed to be done. We sold our house in just three days, which in the present climate, was very encouraging, but we didn’t remember all the hard work that was to follow!

We all hope to be moving to an altogether different and permanent home in the not too distant future! In John 14:1-3, Jesus said: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

We know from John 2:16 that the Father’s house is the Temple of God, but in John 14, Jesus is referring to God’s spiritual Temple–the Church of God (compare 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 6:16). (See our Q&A this week for a further explanation.) This does not mean that we will go to heaven before or at the time of Christ’s second coming; rather, we have long understood that these mansions or dwelling places represent rulership positions of authority given to the saints here on earth, at Christ’s return (compare Revelation 5:10; 22:12; Luke 19:17, 19).

In our booklet “Is That in the Bible? – The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation!,” on pages 39/40, we state the following: “The Greek word for ‘mansions’ refers to dwelling places. It literally means, ‘dwellings’ (compare the margin of the New King James Bible). The same word is used in John 14:23, where it is translated as ‘home.’ According to the Nelson Study Bible, ‘Everybody has a longing for a permanent, secure place. Such places have already been set aside for all of God’s children.'”

Those of us who remain faithful to the very end will inherit these promises. Then, we will be truly “at home.” While we will “leave” or “put off” our current earthly home–our fleshly bodies (2 Peter 1:13-14)–we will be “clothed with our habitation which is from heaven” (2 Corinthians 5:2). We will receive eternal “spiritual” bodies (2 Corinthians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 15:44). We–converted members of the Church of God, the “body of Christ”–will become Spirit-born members of the God Family. We will have a future where more important issues will occupy our minds and energies.

It will be a time when we won’t have to be concerned about what our neighbors will be like when we move to a new home. Nor will we have to be concerned about schooling, shopping, transport or other issues that can also face us. We will have much greater things to accomplish. The excitement of moving to a temporary home will pale into insignificance by comparison with what the future holds for us–when we will have arrived at our new and permanent home; when we have been redeemed from our physical bodies of death; and when we have received new spiritual glorified bodies of eternal life (compare Romans 7:24; 8:23, 29-30).

All we have to do to make the most important move, any of us will ever make, is to remain faithful to the very end!