The Roman Empire viewed Christianity as a dangerous community because Christians referred to Jesus as Kurios (Lord)—a title once borne by Alexander the Great. This raised concerns of rebellion, as Alexander was the sworn enemy of the Romans and Europeans, who had ruled for approximately 300 years before Christ.
Before the Roman Empire reached its height, Christians endured severe persecution: their possessions were seized, their citizenship rights revoked, their families taken captive, and many were killed unjustly. God delivered them from the world. First, they were freed from Judaism. Second, they were freed from the world. They could not enjoy the world at all. Religion was closed to them, and the world was closed as well. It was under such conditions that they were molded into true Christians—even though they were few in number.
Today, the number of Christians is indeed significant, but the majority are conditioned to become children of the world because the world is open to be enjoyed. Many churches and speakers have begun to merge Christianity with the world: “It’s only natural to live like others; what matters is that you still believe in Jesus, don’t forget to go to church.” God is treated only as a lucky charm or a source of material blessings. Not a few come to church merely to seek healing or material gain, which is false Christianity, popular because it fits the taste of the times, but it is not the Christianity that Jesus taught. Therefore, we must dare to say:
“I end my life’s journey to follow Jesus, my Lord. I live only to fulfill Your plan, Lord. I believe that through all things You shape me to be perfect.”
Thus, we must change our way of thinking. When we end this life’s journey, we are being shaped by God. One thing is sure: do not expect the world to make you happy. If we still hope in the world as the source of happiness, we will be bound and enslaved by it. But this does not mean we cannot be happy, for in the Lord there is joy. We may also enjoy material blessings—houses, cars, and so on. But none of these should become the center of our happiness. We can only truly enjoy God when the world is no longer the idol of our joy. It is the Holy Spirit who helps us.
Through all things, God shapes us to be perfect like the Father, to be conformed to Jesus. Therefore, let us end our life’s journey rightly. In the past, we understood life merely as schooling, studying, working, striving, marrying, raising children, and so forth. These things are not wrong, but they must not become our life’s purpose. Our purpose is to live in such a way that we become like Jesus Christ.
If we are willing to change, today is the time. Do not postpone until tomorrow. If today we make ourselves available to repent, that is the moment we begin walking a new path of life. This journey will be a great spiritual adventure, because our life’s footsteps will be recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. God’s Word says: “Blessed are those who die in the Lord.” They are called honorable and dignified because they die with dignity. Such people are the ones the Lord will welcome in glory. It is not about how many people attend our funeral or how long the line of cars is, but about who comes to receive us.
Therefore, we must prepare ourselves to be people worthy of being received by the Lord. Let us end the rest of our lives sweetly. Follow God’s way while the opportunity is still there, for once it passes, it cannot be repeated. Indeed, many of us face heavy problems. But do not drown in them. If we do, our problems will become idols in our lives. Instead, let those problems draw us to look ever more toward the Kingdom of Heaven.