The media has always provided great channels for influence of all sorts on mankind. Our lifestyle, values and general outlook to life have been and is still largely influenced by what we have read, watched and heard.
Several great movies have been made, fantastic songs produced and wonderful books written. And one cannot but appreciate the talent, energy and enormous resources involved in such projects. But we also cannot overestimate the impact of such works on the minds of millions across the globe, especially young folks. Several of these works attempt to shine a torch on hitherto dark areas of life and offer some form of explanation to life’s puzzles and mysteries. The curious mind seeking knowledge and answers is quick to explore such works for information. Those who have some information or knowledge on such issues may start querying what they had previously believed or accepted while those who have no previous knowledge use what they now have to fill in the gaps.
In recent times, there has been an increased curiosity about how and when the earth would end. Books and movies have described various scenarios of what the end of the world would look like. Some have mentioned exact dates based on scientific investigations and calculations. It is interesting to note that several have taken these stories seriously and even adjusted their lives based on these stories. I am actually worried that people would actually think that the world would definitely end at some period in 2012 like one movie depicted. I am also worried that people would believe that science or any man-made system can predict the exact end of the world. God has kept the timetable well guarded in His heart (Matt 24:36). Actually, concerns about the end of the world have always been expressed, even when Jesus was on earth. The disciples once came to meet Him privately to inquire about the signs that would indicate the end of the world. Matt 24:3
We should remember that the Almighty God has not told any man when this world would end. Of course, He has given us signs of the end of time but no human knows exactly when this world will end except Jah. He has said that His ways and thoughts are much higher than ours (Isa 55:8-9). People can only speculate and guess giving rise to various conspiracy theories and fictional stories. Several movies and books are products of these. In all these, science has no breaking news for God. Science is here to prove what God has already said and done and has no secrets to reveal to God. He is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. He is managing the earth He created and is in perfect control. So what about quakes and other earth disasters, you may ask? Yes, He knows about them all. And in fact, He has already told us about them in His word.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Matt 24:7
Rather than bother about how or when the world will end, Christians should be looking to the second coming of Christ. Because where you spend eternity is more important than when this time-bound earth ends.
It should be the least of your worries how the world ends especially if you have secured your future in His hands. When I talk of your future, I mean your eternal destiny. And if you are like me, your path to eternal glory is clearly defined in scriptures.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God…Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. I Thess 4:16-17
While the world is concerned about a phase, you should be looking at the bigger picture. Busy yourself investing in your spiritual heritage and destiny. Develop godly character as you manifest the fruit of the spirit, conquer kingdoms and dominions in His name, and pray down His will on earth while experiencing heaven on earth. He says we should occupy till He comes (Luke 19:12-27) and not till the world ends. Get busy working for His kingdom and eternity.
Yes, this world as we know it would definitely come to an end one day and God’s children shall experience peace and joy eternally afterwards, worshipping at His throne. Worries, tears and heartaches would be gone. So let’s get our priorities right.