Distraction and Division

Christians - should - well understand that the enemy always seeks to undermine us, to pull us away from God, to take us down with him.

For a long time, I've felt, or been aware, that two of his greatest tools to shift our focus, are division and distraction. On global scale, political, or in the home. And recently I've added another "D" word - deceit. His lies can be subtle, with enough truth mixed in to make it sound right. But I feel like he doesn't have to try that hard anymore, or am I the only one who sees through his blatant attempts to deceive even the elect?

It's all around us and I guess one expects lies and deceit in political circles, but in my opinion, the greatest damage is done when spiritual cancer worms its way into churches. Sometimes right through an open door, but more often it starts small. A bit of gossip, a whisper of slander. Dissension among congregants over a pastor's message if it doesn't fit with what they want to hear. Dividing people over what they believe is correct versus what others believe. The Church needs to be unified, in truth, and under God's leadership. The alternative ...

Conversely, it takes courage for a church member to, respectfully, correct their pastor if he is in error. Church leaders are not immune to deception. And it scares me to see how many are distorting the Word of God, thinking they might have new revelation, or proclaiming that spiritual experiences are more valuable than the words of Scripture. 

If you don't know your Bible, or know God, you are vulnerable. Past experience in my own life has taught me to never wholly follow the teachings of any human, but to always be diligent to ensure what is being taught or preached lines up with what God has already established. 

Prophecy for the end times warns of apostasy and deception - the elect are not guaranteed to escape unscathed. In addition to putting on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), I thank God for what I believe is the gift of discernment and I treasure it.

Time grows short - please don't make the mistake of thinking you're not ready, or you still have time. You don't have to understand everything - I know I don't. And that's a button the enemy loves to push. Make me frustrated if I don't understand exactly how God is going to work everything out. All I need to do is to remember, He IS going to work everything out. 

At the end of the day, this is my goal: 

Be discerning, be diligent, be determined - so that you are not deceived by the greatest liar of all time.

Thank you Father, for what You have done in my life, what You continue to do and help me stay the course and recognize deception when it appears.

Amen.