Easily Deceived
Ephesians 6:17 ...take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (ESV)
Let me throw something at you and see what you think: Any Christian who doesn’t realise that they’re living life on a spiritual battlefield is, by and large, kidding themselves.
So, what did you think? Maybe you’re on the outside looking in, thinking to yourself “Those crazy, dangerous fundamentalists.” Fine. You’re entitled. But the whole of Christianity is summed up in two principles – love God with all that you are and love your neighbour as you love yourself.
That sounds pretty straightforward … but in a world where feelings increasingly trump values, living out those two simple things is becoming increasingly difficult. Loving God, loving people … man, that’s hard work. It involves sacrifice. And so, many who call themselves Christians have drifted off into a life of comfort and selfishness at the expense of loving God and their neighbour.
I heard someone say recently that the average churchgoer falls for everything labelled “Christian” because they don’t study God’s Word for themselves, causing them to be easily led astray. You see that happening rather a lot these days.
Forgiveness, kindness, sacrifice, honour, generosity … these are fading values not just in society at large but sadly, within the church. Hmm. How to get back to what it really means to follow Jesus …
Ephesians 6:17 … take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (ESV)
Know that in Christ you’re forgiven, saved, called to live a new life, blessed with an eternity in His Presence. And know the Word of God for yourself so that you won’t be deceived, so that you’ll live a life loving Him and your neighbour.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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