Earnestly contend for the faith

“(I) exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith.”  (Jude 1:3)

How true this is in all times and places. We have a good routine going, studying scriptures, meditation, prayer and etc. Invariably something will happen to interrupt our schedule. It never comes easy. If it did it would not be a test or trial.  In this scripture Jude is warning of certain men who have crept in unaware.

Of course they crept in unaware. I remember a certain Sunday School teacher who told us teens that if Satan came in a red suit carrying a pitchfork we would be less likely to follow him. Today I’m not sure about that. The things I see people get involved in with individuals wearing the uniforms of sin amaze me. Yet, who am I to judge when I have compassion for such individuals and pray for them to find the truth.

Jude goes on to remind his people that the Lord saved the people out of the land of Egypt and afterwards destroyed them that believed not. He mentions the angels which kept not their first estate.  He is speaking of the one-third host who followed Lucifer in the war in Heaven and he goes on to describe those who displease God. The point being that God loves us and will do all kinds of wonderful to save us as long as we are sincerely trying. He alone decides when we reach the point of no return.

“ But beloved remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. How that they told you there would be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts… But ye, beloved, building up ourselves on you most holy faith praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy  of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion making a difference, and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted by flesh.” (Jude 1:20 -23)

Bottom line is that life is real and our decisions matter in where we will spend eternity. I love that last part where he says, “And of some have compassion making a difference, and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.”