As good as it's going to get

     Believe it or not, it's as good as it's going to get.  Pie in the sky is make believe that things are going to get better.  Take my Mercedes for instance.  It's a classic that I've been restoring for some years now.  After sticking money into it over the years it's something that's fun to drive.  I love the way it floats and handles on the road.  But, here it comes, it's an antique and in need of constant influx of money to maintain it.  The parts are getting more and more scarce and aftermarket parts just aren't the same.  In order for it to be better in my estimation I need to lower my standards and expectations.  That trip around the country?  It's not going to happen.  On the opposite side of the coin, I have a salt and pepper collection that my grandmother bequeathed to me because I always loved them.  Over the years I've added to the collection.  But it doesn't get any better than her original salt and pepper shakers.  Some even have salt and pepper in them from the 50's and 60's.  They are what they are.  Precious to me.
     For centuries people have cried that the end is near, coming next Friday at 3:28 PM, and other ridiculous associated things.  While it's true that the end is coming and may even be near; no one hopes it happens next Friday at 3:28 PM!  There are, according to the Bible, signs and prophecies that point to that end.  But, it won't happen until the Father says so.  Just as I invest in my Mercedes and salt and pepper collection (both will perish) I invest in the souls around me.  Martin Luther said, when asked what he would do if he knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow, said, "I'd plant another tree."  He was quite the accomplished gardener and arborist.  He probably knew a thing about planting a tree and the purpose for the steps to planting.  The first year a fruit tree is planted it produces no fruit (unless you buy one already bearing fruit.).  The second year maybe and the third year most likely.  Jesus talked about fruit trees, cursed a couple and praised the tree that produces good fruit.  Martin Luther was talking about sewing the Word in the hearts of people.  He knew once planted that eventually the seed would produce a plant that produced fruit.  Who, in their right mind would plant cactus plants in their carrot garden?
     Today, the world is getting worse and worse.  Blame is so plentiful that everyone earns a blame or two for what's wrong with the world.  The Bible foretold of the state of the world versus the state of mankind's soul.  The state of the world is to get worse and worse while the saved soul of the Christian is to become more and more focused on what God wants to do in the end times.  The world continues to tell people everywhere there is no God, that there is no reason to be focused on anything but yourself.  The world claims to have all the answers to mankind's problems if we would only come around to their view of life and the future.  Surely you won't die if you eat the fruit.  And the rest is history.  Nothing but Jesus has worked to give the souls of mankind any kind of hope of something better.  But it needs to get worse in spite of what Christians are doing.  To many Christians are doing little or nothing so they aren't much threat.  YET, it's as good as it's going to get in the hearts of the true believer.  Think not?!  Wake up, get with it, be real!  If you are a Christian you know the Great Commission and the reason for it's need to be fulfilled.  People are going to hell without Jesus.  Be not deceived.  There are choices we can and do need to make (as believers).  Let's not be found standing in front of the Father being asked why we didn't tell our children, friends, relatives and especially our enemies of his saving love.  Remember, it's always your choice.