Jesus everywhere we go. Jesus warns us in Luke 11:35 to make sure the light in
us is not actually darkness. Can it be that we might get darkness confused for
light? The light is often not:
- How we were raised.
- Our opinion.
- Our traditions.
There is no substitute for studying God’s Word on our own. We cannot thrive out of someone else’s faith or knowledge alone; we stand on our own faith (2 Corinthians 1:24). Our time in God’s Word is always well spent and never in vain. The light that will be shed on your life will better equip you for the journey ahead, bring healing for the journey already traveled, and make your steps secure in your current travels.
How are we to identify a false light? Consider the enemy, Satan. Thousands of years after placing doubt in Adam and Eve, he’s still prowling around like a roaring lion. While he cannot force us to take action against what we know to be true and honoring to God, he can suggest behaviors, excuses, and introduce new gods into our lives. Satan knows the scriptures- beware of misinterpreting or twisting Scripture to excuse sin. We must be on guard at all times. Here are specific "lights," among many, that we may mistakenly consider godly and biblical:
Judging others- We either wrongfully judge others, or accuse others of doing the judging. We can certainly bring concerns up to a fellow believer and be "fruit inspectors, "discerning if a person’s words and/or actions, align with God’s Word. We don’t judge to condemn; only God can do that.
Pursuing wealth- We are to pursue God and His Kingdom above all. We are not entitled to riches and prosperity simply because we belong to the Almighty. The apostle Paul, himself, learned how to be content whether he had a little or a lot
(Philippians 4:12).
Being worldly- We are to be set apart- holy, as God is holy. If we act the way the world acts in regards to entertainment, behavior, and priorities, how are we any different? We must carefully determine if what we allow in our home (television, computer, celebrations, etc.) is honoring to God, and if we would feel perfectly at peace inviting Jesus to join us.
Supporting what God hates- Our opinions and traditions shouldn’t play a role in decision making when we know what God has to say about it. If God is against it, so should we be. No excuses. No compromise.
Let us be intentional about the things we allow to fill us. Be full of the Holy Spirit and listen to God’s voice. His sheep know His voice (John 10:27).
Love,
Cynthia