What should be our response to an age of lawlessness? How should we live in a world that is rejecting the laws of God as given in Jesus Christ? The immediate context of Matthew 24 gives us four responses:

• Obey the laws Jesus taught.
• Do not let our love grow cold.
• Endure to the end of this age.
• Be a part of taking the gospel to all nations.

Jesus said if you love me, then keep my commandments. But what were His commandments? 1) To love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength and 2) to love our neighbor. He also gave us the Sermon on the Mount as a picture of God and how He expects us to live as His disciples.

Even though Gentiles and Jews in the new covenant are not under the covenant of Moses and the Law, and since Jesus fulfilled the Law for us, its principles and truths still apply to us as to how we should live.

In an age of lawlessness the challenge Jesus presents to us is to keep our love alive. Do not become hardened in your heart. Do not become cynical or judgmental, but continue to love God and our neighbor. This is no easy task because many of us have a tendency to condemn those who reject Jesus and God's laws. 

We need to live in the Spirit of the law and not by the letter of the law. Thus, we need to allow the Spirit of God in us to fill us with His love and all the fruit of the Spirit. This is a life of surrender, love and service to Jesus. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

We need to continue in faithfulness to Jesus even when we suffer persecution. If we live for Jesus in this world we will be mocked, rejected and face tribulation. We must be careful not to be deceived by false prophets and the philosophies of men and religion, but know the word of God as Jesus taught. His Word will set us free and keep us on the path of righteousness. Remain in love and grounded in Jesus Christ until the end. Run the race, fight the good fight of faith, and pour out our lives for Jesus until He calls us home.

Do not lose sight of Jesus' vision for His followers. Go and make disciples of all the nations. Keep His purpose for this age alive, be about our Father's business. Go into the world; help missionaries go through prayer, encouragement and giving. In our own community, be part of discipleship.

Who is pouring into your life? Who are you pouring your life into? Pray for nations to bow before Jesus. Pray for individuals to give Jesus their lives. Be part of evangelizing your world and the teaching of Jesus' word to new believers and those who seek Him.

In the parables that follow in Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus emphasizes our need to be ready and watchful for His return. Do not become consumed with the cares of this life; instead, live for eternity. Live as faithful servants. Know Him in intimacy and keep alert for His coming. Use all He has given us to build His kingdom. Live with a sense that we will be held accountable for how we lived and served the master. Know that even for those reconciled to God by Jesus' blood we will face judgment not for our salvation but for rewards in the age to come.

Be kind and hospitable to strangers. Feed the hungry. Give drink to the thirsty. Visit the sick and those in prison. Clothe the naked. Treat every person with value and respect as though he/she were Jesus. Mother Teresa said those who are judging others do not have time to love. These acts of compassion will keep our love alive and we will honor our God and Savior.

Do not conform to this world, do not let it squeeze you into its mold, but be transformed in the renewal of your mind. Walk with Jesus and in the Spirit, then the lawlessness of this age will not overcome you, but you will overcome the world.

Blake Lorenz is the founder of Blake Lorenz Evangelistic Ministries in Orlando, Florida. He is also the pastor at Encounter Church in Orlando and travels the world as an evangelist and missionary.

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