Follow this story:
A young girl, only nine years old, asked her parents, “What kind of life should I live to succeed?”
Her parents replied, “Child, you don’t need to go to school or acquire formal education. You don’t need to learn anything else at this time. Just focus on earning money in any way you see fit. Once you have it, your life will be fine.”
The young girl took their advice to heart. She grew up without concern for education or life skills. By the age of twelve, she found herself in the streets, where she encountered prostitutes who persuaded her to join their work, promising her easy money. Because her parents had advised her similarly, she saw this as good counsel and entered that line of work. Indeed, she began earning money, and when she brought it home and explained how she earned it, her parents did not correct or warn her, even though they knew the dangers. They simply allowed her to continue, as long as she kept bringing money home.
The girl continued diligently, partly out of concern for her parents’ well-being. Over the years, she became skilled in this work and consistently brought large sums of money to her family.
But one day, she fell seriously ill. Her condition worsened rapidly. Observing this, her parents realized she might have been affected by something grave, but out of fear, they did not insist she get a medical check-up. Instead, they comforted her, saying it was probably just a common illness and that painkillers would make her fine. Their fear was that if she knew the truth, she might stop bringing them money.
Eventually, her illness became so severe that she could barely walk. She had no choice but to seek medical attention herself. After testing, she was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
She wept bitterly and regretted her choices. Reflecting on her young age, she realized she had ignored warnings and did not take seriously what she had heard about such illnesses. She shared her story with her parents, recounting how her doctor explained the causes of her illness, and asked them, “Did you know this work could bring such harm? Why didn’t you warn me?”
Her parents admitted: “Yes, we knew it could harm you, but we were afraid to tell you.”
The girl replied, “As parents, it was your responsibility to warn me about the dangers, for I was too young to understand. You waited until I discovered it myself, and now my situation is grave. Did you truly love me, or did you only want to use me?”
The Lesson What does this story teach us?
Even today, national leaders call on people to repent because they have sinned against God. Yet many, even those who claim to be prophets, apostles, servants of God, or teachers, fail to warn people about the consequences of sin until they face its results themselves. We must recognize the weight of sin before God.
Many today realize too late that sin exists, while preachers focus only on prosperity, business, and blessings, avoiding warnings about sin for fear that people will withhold offerings. But the Word of God reminds us:
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” (Jeremiah 23:1-2) “In the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: they commit adultery and walk in lies; they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns from wickedness.” (Jeremiah 23:14)
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” (Jeremiah 23:1-2)
“In the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: they commit adultery and walk in lies; they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns from wickedness.” (Jeremiah 23:14)
People truly seeking God desire life for their souls. But when we direct them only toward prosperity and success, they discover that these cannot solve their ultimate problems. How will they view us—as true shepherds or merely promoters of worldly gain?
We neglect to warn that the world is passing away, that the Antichrist will rise, and that great tribulation will come upon those left unprepared. Instead, many preach about wealth, vehicles, and mansions, ignoring the eternal consequences of sin.
“But the one who does not have the Son of God does not have life; anyone who sins breaks the law, for sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 5:12-17)
We must remember that the end times are near. The current hardships we see are only the beginning; greater and more terrifying events, as foretold in Scripture, are coming.
“Therefore, be careful, and watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)
Conclusion Let us always fear God’s wrath and guide others away from sin. Share this message with others. If you wish to receive more teachings via email or WhatsApp, contact: +255 789 001 312.
Maranatha.
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