“But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life” (Jude 1:17-21).
What marks a world without Christ? Divisions, worldliness, devoid of the Spirit. What marks the world with Christ? Faith, prayer, mercy, and ultimately, eternal life. Yet, we have a problem. Many Christians today seem to be marked more by an ungodly world rather than keeping themselves in the love of God. Need proof? Take a look at your social media feed. Need I say more?
Jesus said that, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Whatever it is that we fill our minds with works its way to the heart, and it comes out of us like a fountain. Jude’s brother, James, also noted this when he said, “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be” (James 3:10).
What is the solution to fixing a life of division, worldliness, and one devoid of the Spirit? Really, it’s rather simple. It is to fill our minds with the things of our faith, “Keep yourselves in the love of God.” If we find that what comes out of us is disapproving to the Lord, then it is because we are not focused on the things that give God pleasure. Jude referred to this as, “Building yourselves up in your most holy faith.”
Memory Verse
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).
Application
The greatest way to change your heart and mind from ungodly to godly things is to follow this advice from the Apostle Paul, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).
