Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? But because of your hardness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath, when God’s judgment is revealed.     Romans 2:4-5 HCSB

Are you saved or are you storing up God’s wrath for yourself? You see, there is really no middle ground here. It’s one or the other.

We are told in 2 Corinthians 5:17 if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away and new things have come. When we are saved, it should show. It should be evident in the way we talk and especially in the way we treat others.

I truly believe we are in the last days. Of course, no one knows when God will return. Also, no one knows when they will die. None of us know how much time we have left here on earth.

Are you ready? If you died right now before you even finished reading this, are you 100% sure you would go to eternal glory to live with your Lord and Savior? Or would you go to the lake of fire? Maybe it’s time for you to inspect your own fruit.

I spent years thinking I would go to heaven while I was living like the devil. I spoke harshly to people and about people. I was looking out for me and me only. I really thought I would go to heaven because I had been baptized at the age of 12. I also went to church every now and then and paid my tithe, so I thought I was good to go.

Years later, I would rededicate my life to the Lord. It was then I realized there was nothing special about me. I didn’t possess some get out of hell free card. God doesn’t play favorites.

I was subject to His laws and His commands just like everyone else. I had to get down on my knees and repent for those I had violated. I had to beg His forgiveness. I had to change my ways.

My friend, if you claim to have been saved but have made no changes in how you speak and how you treat others and how you live your life, you better question your salvation. You better be sure you know before it’s too late.

We can’t go around pridefully putting others down. We can’t gloat at another’s misfortune even if they happen to be our enemy (Proverbs 24:17). When we do this, we are exalting ourselves and God is not going to put up with it. If we exalt ourselves, He will humble us but if we humble ourselves and submit to Him, He will exalt us at the proper time (1 Peter 5:6).

If you have not been saved, you will exhibit the works of the flesh. They are sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. These are things we can’t hide, they will truly be obvious, just like the Bible says.

If you are still having problems with any of these behaviors, draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Confess your sins to Him and He will cleanse you of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Surrender to Him and let the peace of God that passes all understanding guard your heart and your mind (Philippians 4:7).

If you are saved, you will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control.

Don’t let your foolish pride cause you to despise the goodness and riches of God’s kindness, restraint and patience. God is this way with us because He wants more than anything for us to repent of our evil ways. He wants us to be in a close relationship with Him. If you fail to do so, you may be storing up God’s wrath for yourself on judgment day.

Turn to Him today. Surrender your life to Him and accept the salvation He lovingly and freely offers. Don’t be afraid of the positive changes it will bring to your life, embrace them.

Have a great day!