We must realize that a season of sifting is underway. The world today is sifting, creating a separation between those who genuinely desire to live holy lives and those who do not. The world is being shaken in many aspects: politically, economically, socially, and morally. The war in Europe between Russia and Ukraine is a signal that the end times are drawing nearer. Not to mention the unresolved threat of nuclear war. If nuclear war were to break out, the order of life on Earth would drastically change. Every aspect of human life — including the environment and ecosystem — would be shaken. Phenomena such as earthquakes, tectonic shifts, tsunamis, and global warming are evidence that the Earth is increasingly unstable.
We do not intend to incite fear, but this is the reality of the world we live in. Morally, human depravity is becoming more evident. Many live selfishly, devoid of compassion. Ironically, even within Christian circles, the word “love” is frequently spoken but far removed from actual practice. This situation is pushing humanity toward two extreme poles: the pole of holiness and the pole of wickedness. The world is offering wide open space for people to become wicked, even to the extreme, and this is happening not only among non-religious people, but also among those who claim to be Christians. We are living in a time that demands that we take a stand: surrender to the world, or side with holiness.
Of course, we choose to be on the pole of holiness. But that choice demands a hard fight. The world today is highly hostile to the Christian faith. What we see and hear — primarily through devices like smartphones — becomes a window to many influences. Everyone is faced with a choice: to let themselves be poisoned by the world or to sanctify themselves through the Word. Because the world’s influence is so strong and corrupt, we must build stronger defenses with greater effort. Increase our prayers. Multiply our pursuit of God’s Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to give fresh revelation from Scripture so we may wield the sword of the Spirit effectively against the truly evil and powerful influence of the world.
We do not intend to incite fear, but this is the reality of the world we live in. Morally, human depravity is becoming more evident. Many live selfishly, devoid of compassion. Ironically, even within Christian circles, the word “love” is frequently spoken but far removed from actual practice. This situation is pushing humanity toward two extreme poles: the pole of holiness and the pole of wickedness. The world is offering wide open space for people to become wicked, even to the extreme, and this is happening not only among non-religious people, but also among those who claim to be Christians. We are living in a time that demands that we take a stand: surrender to the world, or side with holiness.
Only a few people choose the pole of holiness because it is not popular. But this is the choice we must make. One crucial movement we must make is to live with 24/7 awareness of God’s presence. As we work, carry out our responsibilities, and go about our lives, we must stay aware that we are in His presence. That’s where holiness is maintained. We are not perfect people. Many of us even have fundamentally flawed characters. But we ask the Holy Spirit to help us live a life that is blameless and without blemish. Don’t give up. Multiply our pursuit of God.
Choosing the pole of holiness is not easy. We will face spiritual attacks that constantly try to pull us down. These forces will try to resurrect our old selves and tempt us to enjoy the pleasures of the world once again. This is a call to “look back,” and it is dangerous. When we choose to live at the pole of holiness, the devil’s attacks become sharper. If we were just ordinary Christians, the devil wouldn’t bother us. But when we truly walk in holiness, the powers of darkness will use anyone and anything to make us weary, bored, or even despairing in our pursuit of God.
The forces of darkness can use anyone — even religious people, theologians, and pastors — to hinder the movement of holy living. A lifestyle of 24-hour awareness before God can be viewed as strange, extreme, or excessive. But we must keep our eyes on the Lord. God’s Word says that those who desire to live a holy life must be willing to suffer. In the original language, those who worship genuinely (eusebos) will suffer persecution. Persecution does not always take physical form. It can come in the form of inner pressure, mental disturbance, or spiritual attacks from the powers of darkness.
Therefore, we must take refuge in God, the living God who never leaves us. If we don’t make a firm decision, we will be swept away by the evil currents of this world. So, make a decision: choose the pole of holiness, no matter the cost. And that decision must be renewed every day.