When the world truly ends, human conditions will be worse than any story or film has shown. When the heavens shake, humanity will face a tremendous crisis. There will be no escape except to be transferred to another world where there is no calamity. Blessed are we who remain here to take refuge and draw nearer to the Lord. Therefore, do not follow the Lord halfheartedly. Following the Lord is not for anyone’s personal gain but to fulfill God’s plan—the Father’s desire that none should perish—and also for our own sake so that we will not be lost.
Christianity is not a religion but a way of life. We must recognize this way of life correctly and live it earnestly. One cannot reach God in an hour or two; it requires a long time—days, weeks, months, even years—to match the rhythm of His holiness, His moral greatness, and His character. Make the church a Bible school, a place where, every time we sit together, something new flows from the heart of God for us to receive: truth flows from the Father’s throne in heaven, something we grasp and that changes our lives. We will never regret living this life rightly and seriously.
The truths delivered from a pure, saving pulpit are priceless. They cannot be bought with money or anything else. We pray that every time we gather, the Lord’s presence flows strongly, angels surround us, and the Holy Spirit leads us into all His truth. The meek are those willing to be treated unjustly. This is part of the lesson God gives us. As the Lord said, “Just as I have borne these things, you will also experience what I experienced.” When we endure unjust treatment, that is precisely where Christ’s character is being raised and brought to life within us.
As Christ emptied Himself and left His glory, we too must empty ourselves. Do not follow the world’s way—satisfying the flesh’s desires, gratifying the soul’s cravings, and becoming trapped in life’s pride. Pride of life is more than arrogance; it is an attitude of feeling entitled to one’s own life—to be praised, admired, treated fairly, and placed in an honorable position. What Jesus experienced will also be experienced by those chosen to be like Him. If Jesus had to pass through various tests to reach a certain place, so must we. It may not be the same, but it will not be far off.
The Bible says, “Whoever does not lose his life for My sake will not find it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Life here points to the pleasures of living. This verse speaks of those willing to lose life’s pleasures. Losing life means self-emptying—willing to forfeit the right to enjoy life as others do. Honestly, how hard it is to lose life and to be willing to be treated unjustly. This is most painful, especially when the unfair treatment comes from people whom we could actually overcome—people unable to retaliate because we are stronger.
We will face even greater temptation in such situations. If we confront the powerful, we indeed cannot retaliate, and that is relatively easier. But when we face weak people whom we could punish yet choose not to—that is meekness. When treated unjustly, we may begin to grumble. Yet the Lord reminds us, “You vowed to be like Me. There is no easy way to be like me except that you must be sanded with the same sandpaper.”