17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Jude 17-23

Jude wrote a short book with a powerful message. In twenty-four verses, Jude gives us a wise outlook on how to stay and move forward in the faith. He points out the current circumstances and contrasts two types of leadership: those that follow natural instincts and those that are led by the Spirit. The kind of man who has the Spirit is building on his faith and in prayer. With eternal life in view, this man waits within the love of Christ. He is merciful towards others and hates sin.

A distinct picture of what it means to be a man in Christ comes into focus when we follow God. "Following ungodly desires," on the other hand, distracts us from where God is leading. The remedy for a man surrounded by such influence is an intentional spiritual plan that builds faith and remains prayerful. Keeping ourselves in God's love is necessary because we're divided all the time. Remind yourself to stay on mission and fight to move forward following God's lead.

DO THIS TODAY: Engage in a faith-building activity.