Today we begin a series
entitle watch out for leaders with a conniving spirit. C. JoyBell C. said, “There
are those whose primary ability is to spin wheels of manipulation. It is their
second skin and without these spinning wheels, they simply do not know how to
function. They are like toys on wheels of manipulation and control. If you
remove one of the wheels, they'll never be able to feel secure, be whole.”
To help us understand
this quote, the writer to the Hebrews said, “Keep your life free from love of
money, and be content with what you have. Hebrews 13:5, R.S.V.
The pen of inspiration
says, “Achan had fostered covetousness and deception in his heart, until his
perceptions of sin had become blunted, and he fell an easy prey to temptation.
Those who venture to indulge in a known sin will be more readily overcome the
second time. The first transgression opens the door to the tempter, and he
gradually breaks down all resistance and takes full possession of the citadel
of the soul. Achan had listened to oft-repeated warnings against the sin of
covetousness. The law of God, pointed and positive, had forbidden stealing and
all deception, but he continued to cherish sin. As he was not detected and
openly rebuked, he grew bolder; warnings had less and less effect upon him,
until his soul was bound in chains of darkness.”
What followed was shame,
defeat, and death were brought upon Israel by one man's sin. That protection
which had covered their heads in the time of battle was withdrawn. Joshua
6:17-19; Joshua 7. My friend, did you know that various sins that are cherished
and practiced by professed Christians bring the frown of God upon the church, and
also the nation?
Please note, the
influence most to be feared by the church is not that of open opposers,
infidels, and blasphemers, but of inconsistent professors of Christ. Putting it
another way, these are hypocrites. A hypocrite is someone who puts on a mask
and pretends to be something they are not.
These covetous and
deception minded people are the ones who keep back the blessing of the LORD from
His people and bring weakness upon the church, and nation, a reproach that is
not easily wiped away.
Christianity is not to be
merely paraded on the day of worship and displayed in the sanctuary; it is for
every day in the week and for every place. Its claims must be recognized and
obeyed in the streets, in the workshop, at home, and in business transactions
with brethren and with the world.
A word to the wise today
is, “It is better to die than to sin; better to want than to defraud; better to
hunger than to lie. Let all who are tempted meet Satan with the words: “Blessed
is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt
eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with
thee” Psalm 128:1, 2. Have a wonderful day. Blessings, Blessings, Blessing
Please leave a comment if you like, by going to comments.
By GARDEN MINISTRY
2 comments:
This was right on time. I pray that God continue to bless this ministry.
GM LB, excellent dissertation. Direct and to the point. Look at what democracy is going through worldwide. Love you, GOD Bless you in your endeavors. BB
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