Deception is rampant in many ways in our world and we’ve addressed that. (For example, here and here.) Growing deception is a sign of the last days, giving us a hint as to the time and season in which we live.

Perhaps we can fathom how those apart from a relationship with Jesus could fall into deception, but do you know Matthew 24:24 and Mark 13:22 clearly indicate that even believers (the “elect”) lend themselves to vulnerability if we are not carefully and intentionally committed to relationship with our Savior? It is a sobering thought, and a truth we are wise to heed.

To illustrate vulnerability of even highly-respected Christian leaders and organizations, consider this. According to The Epoch Times and other media outlets (example, example), Focus on the Family President Jim Daly emailed staff members on January 3, requiring each employee to report their vaccination status by January 9.

Citing the emergency temporary standard (ETS) issued by the Biden administration, but paused by the courts, Daly pressed forward with the mandate. The Supreme Court has heard arguments about the legality of the ETS, but has yet to issue a decision.

The as yet undecided Supreme Court ruling aside, the key question is this: Are our highly respected Christian organizations crumbling under the fear mongering pressure growing in our country? Are we allowing individual freedoms granted by our Constitution to become null and void? Are we deceived into believing our Almighty God is somehow incapable of caring for us?

Furthermore, if Christians fail to take a stand now, what will we do when things become even more difficult as the last days unfold?

The prophet Jeremiah faced similar challenges and asked questions of the Lord. Jeremiah 11-12 provide a timely principle for us today. Through Jeremiah, the Lord spoke of a covenant that was not to be broken, lest the people reap curses. Yet, the Hebrew people failed to trust and obey the Almighty, but rather went after other gods, even burning incense offerings to Baal.

The Lord’s righteous anger ensued and He pronounced doom. Thus, Jeremiah certainly had questions of the Lord, and those appear in chapter 12. He asked why the wicked prosper and those who deal treacherously are happy. In verses 3-4, Jeremiah pleads for the Lord to pull the sheep (his people) from the slaughter.

Here is the Lord’s response:

“If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you,
Then how can you contend with horses?
And if in the land of peace,
In which you trusted, they wearied you,
Then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?”

~Jeremiah 12:5

Here is the message: We are prone to weariness because of the chaos we see in our world. Some begin to run with the footmen (caving to the things of this world) and, thus, cannot contend with horses (worse things that will occur as the last days continue to unfold).

Friends, do not become weary in doing what is right and what is good. (Galatians 6:9) In fact, be on the offensive in doing what is right and good. Otherwise, we run the same risk that endangered the Hebrew people: we turn to other gods…or other worldviews…or worldly pressures. We cave to the demands of our culture.

Living in fear is NOT of the Lord. Undoubtedly, as attempts to “cancel” Christianity grow stronger and stronger, you can bet our faith will be challenged. We are going to be threatened in every way conceivable. Yet, Ephesians 6:10-20 provides excellent instruction: stand firm and “armor up!”

May God grant incredible wisdom and courage to Christian leaders and organizations, may they put their faith only in Almighty God, and may we do likewise as followers of Jesus!