This may seem controversial so buckle up! But when Jesus walked and breathed on this earth, he never avoided controversial topics. He spoke truth whether people wanted to hear it or not. He instructed others to always follow his lead. Jesus warned against following, or being seduced by, this world and the evil spirits that are in it.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Timothy 4:1
Strife
If there is one thing I know for sure, the devil has certainly used a public health crisis which plagues our land to cause division and strife among people. Families, churches, friends have all experienced disagreements. Never have I seen such a difference of opinions and beliefs cause such hatred and separation. Over a sickness. You would think we would come together to pray for one another, encourage one another. But not so.
And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.
Isaiah 3:5
Seduction
When it comes to being seduced by an evil spirit, the appeal to a Christian has to be beautiful and heart wrenching at the same time. Satan knows he has to appeal to our spirit in order to make us do something. For example: “Do it for others”, “Be selfless”, “Be kind to others”, “Love your neighbor”. And the list could go on. He may even use pieces of scripture and twist them to fit his agenda in order to make us act or feel a certain way. (A perfect example of this deception occurs in Genesis 3.)
Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and [there was] no peace;…
Ezekiel 13:10
Standing
I only know one thing for certain. If I am to make any decision in life, I am required by God to follow his direction. He promised never to leave me nor forsake me. He will always lead me in the right path. I must honor God with my life and my choices.
Teach me to do thy will; for thou [art] my God: thy spirit [is] good; lead me…
Psalm 143:10
And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:24
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 149:10
With all the voices out there right now screaming at us to choose one way or another, listen for that still small voice. What would God have YOU do? Guard yourself against being swayed one way or the other by “popular” opinion. What is popular is not always right, and what is right is not always popular. God’s choice for you may not be the same choice for your neighbor. And that has always been OK before, why would it not be OK now?
Silence
Sometimes the best way to hear instruction is when there is nothing being said. Study your Bible. Read the word of God. Pray. Seek God‘s face in every area of your life, and follow his lead. He will give you peace and lead you to the right choices for YOUR life. And pray for and love your neighbor. That instruction never changes, but that DOESN’T TRANSLATE TO always making the same choices as your neighbor.
