The Love of Most Will Grow Cold

Besides earthquakes, tsunamis and the crumbling of the world economy, one of the signs of the end of the world as we know it will be this:

Matthew 24:12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold…

For love to grow cold, it has to have first been hot. Those who once illustrated a passionate love for Christ will walk away from church and every vestige of sacrificial faith. They will prefer financial gain, sports and entertainment and leisure, anything that has immediate payoff as opposed to hoping for the promised eternal rewards of faith and service.

And Jesus doesn’t say this might happen. It is prophesied, predicted like…

John 13:38 I tell you the truth, Peter, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.

Jesus knows what our hearts will do. But we are still responsible and will bear the consequences of our desires and actions. Though the widespread chilling of passionate faith is certain, it is still difficult to watch for one whose joy is dependent on the Christian joy of others.

1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?

When I watch dozens of new people stream into our church and our attendance numbers stay virtually the same, I know, like lots of other pastors know, that the “regulars” are coming less frequently.
The church becomes like Wal-Mart, just visited when there is a felt need or we can spare the time.

I guess I have to watch this happen. But I hate it. And it concerns me that it doesn’t concern those who are drifting away, because drifting leads to shipwreck. And no one wants that for you.

Hebrews 2:1 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

The love of most will grow cold. This will happen. It doesn’t have to happen to you.

Luke 10:27-28
You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, Love your neighbour as yourself…. Do this and you will live!