1 Peter 1:13

Devotional Thoughts

By David Wilkerson

There is wonderful news for every Christian who is discouraged by the apathy and godlessness in this nation. Regardless of how wicked and corrupt this society becomes and how many Christians compromise and fall into sin, God still has a mighty remnant of holy, separated followers.

Christians may be deceived into thinking that Satan is winning the battle for the saints, and that the predicted “falling away” has touched all of God’s people. The Bible does predict that in the last days many will be turned aside; men will love pleasure more than God; the love of many shall grow cold; evil men and seducers will grow worse and worse; and Satan will declare war on the saints of the Most High.

It is also true that Satan is now going about as a roaring lion, with great wrath, seeking victims to devour. The enemies of God are going all-out in an attempt to deceive and seduce every true follower of Christ. But the truth is that not all of God’s people are falling away! Not at all — and the Holy Spirit has a glorious and encouraging word for his Church. God is right now raising up a multitude of sanctified saints who are standing against the idolatry of this age. They are so filled with love for Christ that they are ready and willing to be persecuted for their faith and devotion. 

The call of Jesus is to be thoughtful and clear-headed. Paul told Titus, “Exhort the young men to be sober-minded” (Titus 2:6). And Peter admonished the Christians, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit” (1 Peter 1:13, NASB). As materialism eats away at our spiritual life and compromise erodes our standards, Christians are called to get deadly serious about the things of Jesus. Peter further said, “Be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7).

Jesus does not want you to go around with a long face or a lack of humor. But he wants you to live like people who are soon to leave this earth — to be with him!