Don’t Be Alarmed (Jude 17-18)
By Jennifer Waddle
“But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.” Jude 17-18 NKJV
It never fails. I’ll be scrolling through my social media feed and come across a shocking statement about Christianity or the Bible, and instantly, I’m made aware of the hostility towards the things of God. By now, I ought to expect it, but it never ceases to alarm me. Can you relate?
Sadly, followers of Christ will continue to be alarmed at the mockery of God and His Word. However, Jude shared a great reminder for us. He said, “Remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time.”
Jude’s warning—written so long ago—still resonates with us today and reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun. Just as Christians in his day were faced with people who mocked the Lord, we too are seeing daily evidence of those who reject Christianity and everything we hold dear.
So what are we to do? In verse 3, Jude gave these instructions “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”
“Contend for the faith.”
That’s our assignment as we try to connect with people and remain steadfast in our faith. The truth is, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is under attack, and we must defend it by speaking the truth in love and using discernment as we associate with people on the World Wide Web.
If you’re alarmed by the voices of hostility on social media, try responding this way:
Respond with love for the person and hate for the sin.
Respond with truth from the Bible rather than the opinions of man.
Respond with the assurance that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Respond with the knowledge that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Great discernment is needed when it comes to scoffers. There are times when you’ve said all that can be said, and it’s time to end the discussion. Especially when there’s a continual stream of disrespect, you’ll need stop the cycle of mockery by moving on to more productive conversations.
Hateful comments are bound to come, but instead of being alarmed at such things, let’s be spurred to contend for the faith. Stand firm on God’s Word. Let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no.” After all, your confidence is in Christ, and He will reveal His truth to all people. We are simply instruments of peace called to remain steadfast and contend for the faith that has been entrusted to us.
Jennifer Waddle is the author of Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, as well as an online contributor for Christian ministries such as Lifeway, Crosswalk, and Abide. With a heart to encourage women in midlife, Jennifer offers a listening ear, faithful prayer, and Biblical encouragement at EncouragementMama.com—a place where “Discouragement doesn’t win!”
Related Resource: Deepen and Defend Your Faith Today
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