Today the battle for truth is raging. Truth itself has become relative and God’s Word carries no authority for the majority of people in our nation and much of the Western World. Some Christians find it difficult to work in their chosen fields without compromising their religious convictions. In many arenas, those who speak up for what is morally right are called bigoted, intolerant, or worse.
But we need to be careful about putting our hope in the government to change and protect us. While there might be a temporary slowing of the process, I believe in the long run these trends will continue, perhaps faster than we think possible. So, how can we prepare ourselves for the continuing battle?
Our perception, the filter through which we “see” everything has a tremendous effect on our lives. I often tell people in counseling that we are affected much more by what we think about what happens to us than what actually happens to us. So how do you view the events of your life? What is your filter? Are you looking through the lens of Scripture or through the world’s lens? Are you seeing through the sovereignty of God or through a self-focused lens?
Everything we do, we do before the Lord. Everything. But, too often, while we may be doctrinally sound in our theology, we don’t let our theology overlay everything in our lives. We may know much of the Bible and claim to accept it as truth. But are there times when we allow what amounts to opinions have more of an effect on our behavior and the things we stand for than the truth?
It started right there in the garden. The serpent tempted Eve with a thought, “Did God really say …?” The first step in his deception was to get her to doubt God and he’s still whispering the same question today. What is he tempting you to doubt?
But God didn’t give up on mankind. In fact, in the next chapter of Genesis, He counseled a young man named Cain about the anger that was growing in his heart. He warned him that sin was crouching at the door like a hungry lion. What could be crouching at the door of your heart and mine? Is there some bitterness or unforgiveness for which we need to repent? Is there some temptation to anger, impurity, or worry? Find out what we can do about it before it’s too late.
Also read about the danger of thinking we’re smarter than God, the importance of honoring parents, and some examples of fulfilled prophecy.
Believing lies about anything can lead to problems but believing lies about your spiritual life and eternity can be downright dangerous. Yet, rarely do we think we are vulnerable to such lies. That’s part of the danger. Lies and those who promote them can be so appealing. But since our eternal destiny is at stake, how can we be sure we aren’t believing lies?
We’re working our way through the book of Colossians in this series of posts. In this lesson, we’re going to look at Paul’s warning to them about the danger of being taken captive by a false gospel.
Controversial issues abound these days. It’s not just that they abound but the divisions seem to be deeper and more contentious. Controversial issues come up on social media, from political platforms, in the public square, on the news, on talk shows, and all across the internet. But they will also come up across Thanksgiving tables in a few days.
How do we decide when to engage in those conversations and how can the love of God and His wisdom help us navigate those controversial issues?
