We miss something if our manner, outlook and standards all mirror the times in which we live. Doing so would mean that we are living as a part of this world—that we are not different from everyone else.
 
But we are!
 
Here is what Jesus Christ stated—both about His disciples and Himself: “‘They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world’” (John 17:16).
 
However, we know that Jesus Christ was born in the nation of Judah and except for those who knew Him personally, He blended in with the people of His time–so much so that it was necessary for Judas, in betraying Him, to identify Him from among His disciples (compare Matthew 26:47-49).
 
What Jesus had that totally separated Him from both His countrymen and the rest of the world was His membership in the Family of God—from which He also drew His citizenship (compare John 8:23;18:36).
 
Christians, those converted individuals who have been called by God to come out of this world, are now also citizens of God’s Kingdom (compare Philippians 3:20); we are “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20); we are to live “as sojourners and pilgrims” (1 Peter 2:11); and, we are not to misuse this world (compare 1 Corinthians 7:31).
 
As such, we have a different status than those among whom we are to live. We have been given the gift of God’s Holy Spirit, and “now we are children of God” (1 John 3:2). Along with our RIGHTS to the promises of God, we also have DUTIES, and if we fulfill them, then we will be unmistakably different—a stark contrast to an age that is writhing in its own, final death-throes!

To write out the number that is the title of this editorial would necessitate a 3 followed by 23 zeros–the newest calculated estimate of the number of stars in the universe! Contrast this unimaginable number to the very few thousand stars one might see if we look up into the night sky.
 
The majesty of this universe is the signature of God–the very proof that He offers of Himself to mankind (compare Romans 1:18-22). In fact, throughout His written Word, God challenges us to understand Him through His creation:
 
“”To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?’ says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing” (Isaiah 40:25-26).
 
Considering the grandeur and the glory of God’s creative power instills us with awe! Even among His angelic realm, God is worshipped as Creator:
 
“‘Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created'” (Revelation 4:11, NASB).
 
God also reveals His purpose in creating not only the vast universe but this earth, as well, when He states:
 
“For thus says the LORD, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: ‘I am the Lord, and there is no other'” (Isaiah 45:18).
 
The earth is the focus of His Work at this time. The earth is where He sent His Son, and it is where He is preparing mankind to enter His Family to live eternally with Him and His Son in the new heavens and the new earth which He will also create (compare Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13). Paul wrote, “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19).
 
Jesus taught that God the Father is very concerned, very aware and very involved in what happens on this earth. Note how He explains this:

“‘Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from Your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows'” (Matthew 10:29-31; compare Matthew 6:26).
 
Perhaps it is sometimes easier to acknowledge God’s creation from afar than to make the personal connection as to what that means to you and me–to realize the extent to which this same Creator is involved with each one of us!
 
Jesus taught, “‘ …for with God all things are possible'” (Mark 10:27); and, “‘…If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes'” (Mark 9:23).
 
While we can take the time to step back and drink in the power of God in His Creation, let us also step forward to claim the personal relationship that is ours in our calling as Christians–as brethren of Jesus Christ and as sons and daughters of the Living, Eternal God!

Jesus Christ spoke of incomparably difficult times—of tribulation that will occur threatening the existence of all life on earth! In Matthew 24 and Luke 21, these cataclysmic events are revealed to us.

As frightening and terrifying as these future occurrences will be, we are told about them as a warning for our benefit! We are instructed in order to watch what is happening and to use that understanding to prepare ourselves—to be ready.

While deception will be prevalent (as it now is!), we will be saved if we continue to endure in the love of God by fulfilling what He has commanded (compare Matthew 24:13).

Against the backdrop of these dire warnings, we have some specific instructions regarding prayer that will help us stay watchful and ready: “‘And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath’” (Matthew 24:20); and, “‘Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man’” (Luke 21:36).

Are these things you are praying about, NOW?

If you are, that is good, but also understand that Christ’s message transcends our just focusing on our own personal safety. We still have a commission to fulfill! We are often reminded of the fact that the gospel of the kingdom will continue to be preached as a witness to the whole world (compare Matthew 24:14).

So, along with praying about some very specific things on a personal level, we know that the servants of Jesus Christ are given a job. In fact, in Matthew 24, verses 45-51, a contrast is made between “a faithful and wise servant” and an “evil servant.” Regarding what these servants were to be doing, Christ states, “‘Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing’” (verse 46).

It is difficult to not fear what is coming! But we—unlike this deceived world—have every reason for confidence. Paul presents a panoramic overview of what it means to be a Christian, in Romans, chapter 8. Let’s never lose sight of the stirring assurance that we have in our calling and in how we can face the future:

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor power, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).