“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith…
“I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains..— just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire…
“Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion…
“But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.., ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’ It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 3,5-7,11,17-25
It is always good among believers to unite around our common salvation, but in doing so, it is necessary to be vigilant about the dangers of slipping away. The love and mercy that Jude extends is imbued with his concern for their faithfulness and continued growth in the holy faith. What they knew fully that led them to believe in the first place was important to keep remembering to buttress their commitment.
Once we embark on any new venture, it is natural to get drawn in by new ideas and experiences, and away from original motivation. The world’s many enticements would veer us from steadfast growth in the knowledge and love of Christ. Even good things- service, productivity, family, plans- can become ultimate things, idols that detract us from pure devotion to Him.
Have we relaxed spiritual imperatives that guard our hearts and minds? Have we grown too casual in daily habits, choices of entertainment, attitudes toward others, or language, that we dishonor the Lord’s value of every person and all that is lofty? What idols have become shrines in our affections and allegiance? All that we’ve known well as we set out on our spiritual walk with Christ is a sure foundation going forward and must not be forgotten. (Proverbs 4:23; Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:6-8)
What are we actively doing to build up ourselves and others in the holy faith? How are we remembering and reminding each other of God‘s holy attributes of love, justice, purity? How will we today encourage others in God’s ability to keep us from falling? Will we trust and praise Him together?
Father, may I always remember Your grace to me, and uphold Your holiness as my highest joy.
As the rain and snow 