NO OR LITTLE TIME FOR JESUS?

Dearly Beloved, NO OR LITTLE TIME FOR JESUS? “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10 NKJV). “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV). There is a trend now especially in Nigeria that calls for attention: shortening or abbreviating words when chatting online or sending text messages. This may be a way of saving time and space. However, it is affecting the written English of many people especially the younger generation. What is most disheartening to me is shortening or abbreviating the precious name of JESUS CHRIST. I confronted an online friend when he sent a prayer wish to me and ended it with “IJN” supposedly meaning “in Jesus’ name”. His argument was that it saves him space and time to do so. He had the time and space to type all other words, but no or little time for the name of JESUS. There are other abbreviations and short forms for words that contain either “Jesus” or “Christ” like “xtian” for “Christian”, “xmas” for “Christmas”, “IJMN” for “in Jesus’ mighty name”. It interesting to note that these people that abbreviate or shorten the name of JESUS are unknowingly following the world that is doing everything to hide or even do away with the precious name of Jesus and everything that has to do with Him. No wonder, the world has changed “BC” that means “Before Christ” to “BCE” that means “Before Common Era” and “AD” that means in Latin “Anno Domini” (English: in the year of our Lord) to “CE” that means “Common (or Current) Era”. Having no or little time for writing the name of JESUS is a reflection of the lives of many people. There is time for other mundane things, but there is no or little time for the things of God like prayer, reading and meditating on the words of God, worshipping God, fellowshipping with other believers, evangelizing the world about Jesus Christ, and the likes. Such people are of the opinion that God understands. God does understand, but it is a subtle way in which Satan is drifting unsuspecting Christians away from God. No matter the time and space, never underestimate the importance of writing in full the precious name of JESUS CHRIST. Put the devil and his cohorts to shame by being proud of the name of JESUS and by writing it in full no matter what it will cost you. Do not join the world to hide or eliminate the precious name of JESUS. “... at the name of JESUS every knee should bow…!” In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will not unintentionally join the world to hide the precious name of JESUS.