Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Matthew 24 is worthy of a read if you are interested in understanding Christ’s return. Jesus gives us an account of when we may begin to know that Christ will return. We could very well be reading about the current times, living in 2022. Verse four says “See to it that no one misleads you.” In verse 12, we’re told “And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold.” Many versions of the Word use the terms “wax cold.”

For something to grow cold means that it was at some point warm before. When a candle is made, the wax is melted and then poured into a mold. It is then left to cool and to harden. As we continue to explore our faith it is essential to understand where we are in the big scheme of things. If we look at an unlit candle it is not pliable, it is hard. But if we put the candle near a flame the wax begins to soften. It is useful for light and warmth. On its own it really does nothing in its cold form. I mean it is possible to run some wax under that drawer that gets stuck every now and then. However, when you wax the drawer, the movement creates friction (warmth) and then you have a pliable lubricant. The wax warms up and becomes useful!

Notice verse 12 explains that because evil increases (lawlessness increased) most people’s love becomes cold. Jesus is talking. Those that once loved him will begin to grow cold. As we see this visual, we can easily understand people are choosing not to follow Jesus Christ. Like the candle they become unpliable – stuck in a worldly mold – wax cold!

Jesus was speaking to people who understood the significance of candles. They used candles and oil lamps for light. They knew the importance of taking care of those items in their home. They depended on them to see at night or to light their way in the shepherd’s field at night. Without the light they could get lost or even hurt. I do not know about you but I have night lights all over my house for that very purpose-so I can see in the dark.

As evil increases so does spiritual darkness, Christ Followers must be aware and be mindful of how they walk within a dark world. Faith is something that is sustainable. It is something we cannot afford to let grow cold. It provides light and warmth to others lost in this world. May our love never grow cold as the darkness closes in. Intentionally, stay warm!

Yvette Perrin can be reached at theword2yvette@gmail.com.