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THE DAYS WE ARE LIVING in are troublesome times. There is no question that we are living in the last of the last days. These days are so full of deception and doubt that even the strongest of God's people would fall if they are not careful, vigilant, and people of the word.

God does not leave us hanging-out on the earth twiddling our thumbs, wondering what we are to do during these times. He has given written instructions on how to protect ourselves and how we are to encourage others during these times. As we keep our focus, we will be of that number that endures, even through martyrdom, and will hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).

Some of the ways that we can be good and faithful servants in these stressful days are as follows:

1. WE MUST BE WATCHFUL.

Matthew 24:36-44 is clear that though we can know that we are living in the last days of the end times, we do not know the specific hour in which Jesus will return (24:44).  To be watchful is to be on the lookout for the coming of Christ by observing the events Jesus just spoke of in Matthew 24:1-31. Many will see these events but offer scientific or historical reasons for why they are happening: they are those who are asleep. To be watchful is to observe, discern, and be alert to how God's word is being fulfilled and doing something, anything, to help others to understand.

2. WE MUST BE FAITHFUL & WISE OVER THE THINGS OF GOD.

Matthew 24:45-51 is clear that God's people are made rulers of the things that pertain to God in this present age (24:45).  It is our responsibility to be faithful and wise stewards of the things belonging to God. We must not give in to the pressure of the world and act as the world: being hypocritical and double minded with the things entrusted to us by God.

3. WE MUST BE FILLED WITH & LIVING BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

Matthew 25:1-13 is clear that not all who call Jesus Lord are filled with the Holy Spirit. When Jesus is on the lips and not in the heart, there is no personal relationship with him and he will one day say to us, "I know you not" (25:12).  We must ensure that our "trust" in God is not just a head knowledge and a religion of good works: without the Holy Spirit living within us we are far from knowing God and His son Jesus.

4. WE MUST LET THE HOLY SPIRIT WORK THROUGH US

Matthew 25:14-30 is clear that God has given to us a portion of His Holy Spirit so that we can allow him to develop and increase within us. To have this precious gift within us and not allow him to work through us is equivalent to having a million dollars and burying it in the ground without gaining interest. The danger of the present age is to develop an agenda, objectives, and plans without being led by the Holy Spirit.

5. WE MUST TAKE CARE OF GOD'S PEOPLE

Matthew 25:31-46 is clear that we are to ensure that fellow Christian's are taken care of. It is our responsibility to feed them, shelter them, clothe them, and visit and take care of the needs of those who are sick and in prison (25:37-39).

6. WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THE SIN THAT OVERTAKES US.

Revelation 2 & 3 is clear that the fallen church (individual Christians) will be filled with all kinds of sin. These two chapters should be read, meditated upon, and allowed to pierce our hearts and drive us to repentance and a total surrender to God. Be careful lest you think you are strong. This thought can be deceptive and lead you away from putting your trust in God and Jesus.

7. WE MUST INSTRUCT MANY.

Daniel 11:33 is clear that God's people are to instruct many concerning why events are taking place as they are. This implies that we must understand and discern what is happening ourselves. To come against the world's agenda will not be without consequences as the people of understanding will be persecuted, killed, and/or have all their possessions taken from them (11:33-35).

The witness of Scripture is clear that in these days we must be so much the more about the business of taking care of God's business. We must be so much the more in rejecting all that is in the world, that appeals to our flesh, our eyes, and our pride of life.

Hold fast till Christ returns!