PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY




The REAL Y2K Problem



It's in the news, on television, and just about everywhere on the Worldwide Web. A number of problems could occur as the year 2000 approaches, since many facilities may not yet be prepared to deal with the computer problems that the turn of the century brings with it.

Another situation occurring as the year 2000 approaches is the great expectation that something phenomenal must be about to happen because we are ending and beginning a new millennium. Many fundamentalist Christians are preparing for the return of Christ. Other groups are preparing for everything from outer space invasions to World War III. There are as many evil prophecies as joyful ones about the coming of the new millennium.

Christian history is filled with dates when the Lord's return was anticipated, from shortly after the first Pentecost until this present day, with each date coming and going unceremoniously. This should have been expected, because Jesus did tell us that no man knows the day nor the hour, except the Father in heaven. The turn of the new millennium is no exception, as Christians hope and pray and watch the signs of the times-and this is good, but it is not enough!

What should we be doing in anticipation of our Lord's return? Should we be preparing to flee? Should we be stocking up on candles, water and guns? What is it that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ wants us to be doing at this tense time?


``Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find sodoing.'' (Matt. 24:45-46, KJV)


I understand this to mean that we each have a job to do that God has given us. Some are mothers, some are teachers, some are fathers, all of us are Christians and disciples of Jesus, and He tells us that the world will know we are His disciples if we have love for one another. This is what ourLord wants to find us doing when He returns, not huddled in caves and bunkers but exhibiting the true peace and joy of a true servant of the Lord.

There is nothing wrong with being wise, but there is something wrong with quitting our jobs, stockpiling goods and weapons, hunkering down and withdrawing from society in order to protect ourselves from the trials that may very well come. This is not what we are called to do. Remember that Jesus compared us to candles, and no one can see our light if we are hidden.Our job is to light the world for God, not to save our own skins. Jesus said that any man who seeks to save his own life will indeed lose it, but he who is willing to lose his life for the Lord's sake will be saved.

I will not say that troubling times are not ahead, for inevitably they are, whether they come at the turn of this millenium or at some other time. But I would like to exhort every one of us that practical Christianity demands that we not run and hide in fear, but that we walk in faith even if it must be through the valley of the shadow of death, because He who is in us is far greater than he who is in the world. Let us light the world for our Master and let Him take care of our every need, for He cares for us.



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On 11 Nov 2000, 14:40.