The Cost of Wickedness

2 Samuel 13-14; Matthew 24

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come…Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants…suppose that servant is wicked…and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.”

Matthew 24:12-14; 45, 48, 49

While the cooling of first love for God is a consequence of the increase of wickedness, the cost is greater for those in spiritual leadership in Christ’s kingdom. For spiritual leaders who abuse their God-given authority by mistreating fellow servants, or by mistreating their bodies through self-indulgence and excess, Christ promises severe judgment. The increase in wickedness corrupts spiritual leaders; its effect is multiplied through their leadership. Instead, Jesus calls us to stand firm to the end and preach the gospel to all nations. Giving ourselves to this mission will keep us from the distractions and temptations of a wicked generation.

“Lord Jesus, keep me faithful to the end, for your glory.”