The difference between truth and deception is often not glaring. It is subtle: a subtle change of focus. It is a slight shift away from God and his word. Our victory in Christ only comes as we stay in his path of truth - i.e. in his word.
"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." John17:17.
God's Truth is wisdom. It however, does not cause a deviation from God's word as the ultimate guide. Wisdom is not just common sense or smartness. True wisdom does not exalt the flesh or human ways above God's word. Truth is revealed only in the word of God and personified in Jesus Christ our Lord.
"But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. " 2 Corinthians 11:3
I plead with you to guard your heart with all diligence. Though this way is not popular, good and eternal rewards come from following Jesus devotedly. However, even tribulations, trials and persecutions (for sticking to God's word) are part of that 'GOOD' result. [Mark 10:29- 30, John16:33]
"Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer." 2 Timothy 2:3-4
God promises us success but his definition of success is totally different from ours. Shalom (peace with abundance) is found only in our union with him. Godliness and divine success are inseparable. However as in Genesis 1 when God surveyed all he made and declared it as 'good', good success from God's standpoint is anything HE created. That is, anything that has it's origin, drive and continuity from his Word and his Holy spirit. These are the only things that will have the victory over the world. [1John 5:4]. Good and favour that comes from elevating anything above Christ is not God's definition of wisdom or success.
"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua1:8
Jesus Christ (our example) had favour with men and God but when he started his ministry fully, despite his gracious words, he got many threats of stoning. He had favour with the many that believed him and with his father God, but not with those who wanted him to conform to their worldly expectations. His wisdom was perfect but it was not the wisdom of this world and so it was offensive to many. The narrow way is often a lonely way. [Luke 2:52, John 8:43 -45].
Not every information coming to you is for your hearts consumption. Question what you hear: "Is this from God? Is it according to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ? Is it biblical?". Not every influence is from the spirit of God. The only way to discern is to check the scriptures. Truth or the standard for right or wrong is not as determined by humans. The "voice of the majority" or "the people" is not synonymous with the voice of God. Right or wrong is only evidenced by the Lord's opinion of it as revealed in the Holy scriptures (Bible).
The Lord is coming for a United church but what unites us should be truth and righteousness as revealed in his word. I am concerned that our definition of sin can seem warped and that we are easily deceived. Statements such as 'viewing the world rightly' connotes many things. As followers of Jesus the Messiah, there is only one right way to view the world: as Jesus viewed it. That is through the lens of scripture.
This is the safest place to be because ever so often, what we see is not really what is there. Your senses might lie to you but God's word is Truth and Light. It is the only truth that can be trusted. For example if, as the Lord says in 1Peter 2:24 you are healed by the stripes of Jesus but your body tells you that you are sick beyond repair, whose report will you believe? Who knows better? You or God?
Deception has increased and will increase further. Only those who have truly accepted Jesus Christ as MASTER of their lives will remain uncompromised followers. The devil is not against religion, he is against the elevation of Jesus above all. From the first sin, he has been targeting God's word and will. "Jesus is Lord' means he is the dictating power in your life. Jezebel was not dangerous because she was beautiful, she was dangerous because she understood the hard heart of the people of Israel to God's law, the desires and lusts of men and the ways of this world so much so that she could wield it skilfully to gain power over Israel. She was 'wise' (cunning) and proactive in her mission to gain control. By appealing to Ahab's manly ego, approving his backslidden heart, and promising him all that his flesh wanted without repercussions, she gained control over him and consequently, the whole of Israel. Her idols became the people's religion and her 'wisdom' the peoples way. (1 Kings 21). That spirit is still in operation in the world today and only the faithful in spirit can discern and avoid it.
Jesus like the Father is all about our heart and motives. Guard your heart with his word and you will not be subject to deception. (Rev. 2:20 -23). Reading proverbs 2 in context will help you know that the only wisdom that keeps man from perverse men or women is the one which comes not from subtility, but from the scriptures i.e. the mouth of God.
''For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.'' Proverbs 2:6
Perfection is not humanly possible (only Christ perfects us) but obedience is. We are saved to follow Jesus our Lord and friend. He is a kind and forgiving friend but he is still Master. His wisdom is not of this world. It is pure and peaceable. Even our prudence (shrewdness) should stem from his core truths and not from the spirit of this world. As we embrace God's word as our only Master, we will walk in his light and truth always.
"The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright." Proverbs 21:8
I determined to give much grace this year. However in our eagerness to give grace we should be careful not to unwittingly encourage the elevation of evil above good. As the scriptures, warn:
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." [Isaiah 5:20-21]
"But when grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the Lord." Isaiah 26:10
The time is very short. Live for Christ. Courageously make his way your priority. Anything that will not matter after this life is secondary. Secondary is not an irresponsible position, it is just next after the primary.
Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. And remember that the law of your country is there for human good but the balance in it's use is it's alignment with God's word. As long as a law does not contradict God's instructions and we deal with it honestly, it is God's tool to protect the innocent: it is no sin.
[1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 NIV Romans 13.]
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“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." Matthew 7:13
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