From there, his ploy was to get them to feel rejected by God because He was holding something back from them. Christians who have been caused to stumble often go through this same pattern.
To remain strong Christians who are aligned with God and His perspective of the world and current events, we must be devoted to a constant study of the Scriptures, which were given to us for this purpose. To stand, we need to establish ourselves solidly in the Word of God, knowing and holding to sound doctrine, and we need to recognize and refute the craftiness of our enemy.
We must also understand that the good side of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is just as deadly as the evil side of that treethey both have the same root and the same fruitdeath. Human goodness, which is not based on the redemptive purposes of God, will always be one of the biggest stumbling blocks to men. We can look at good works and be pleased at them, but if they are being done as a way to compensate and pay for our rebellion, then they are an affront to the cross, and our own good works can be one of the primary things that keep us from the cross.
Just as the Apostle Paul rejoiced in the gospel being preached even by those who did not have good motives, it is fine to rejoice in the good works that men do and be thankful that others are being helped, even if it is not being done with the best motives. The communists used to do many good works for other nations to try to seduce them with communism, and America has done much of the same with its aid, seeking allies rather than just trying to help the needy. Even so, Americans do have a heart for helping the needy or those who are in crisis that may be unprecedented in history, and it is right to be thankful for this.
Bad intentions can sometimes result in good, and good intentions can sometimes result in bad, but we shouldnt stop doing good because it might turn out bad.
I personally rejoice at any good that people do for one another. However, I do watch out for those I sense want to do me favours but have ulterior motives. It is quite easy to discern this, as well as it is to discern those who truly want to do some good out of genuine care or as just serving one of Gods people.
Discernment is one of the most desperately needed gifts of the Spirit that we need at this time. What we are discussing above, and is now happening in the government, is also permeating society in general. How do we get this discernment? We pray for discernment, and then we get to know Gods Word. If Jesus, who was the Word of God, would take His stand on It is written how much more should we? Reproduced from Morning Star Ministries with permission.
Post published in: Opinions