Today's Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-4
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For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. - 1 John 5:4
Most people have heard about OCD--obsessive compulsive disorder--that can manifest itself in all kinds of phobias. Some people are so afraid of germs and viruses that they can't even shake hands with people for fear of being contaminated. And that's a mild case of OCD.
Friend, I've seen that happen in the spiritual realm. I've seen people get so frightened by the power of the Devil or the dangers all around us in this world that they become immobilized by fear and isolate themselves. Now, it's certainly true this world is a powerful enemy. We don't want to be naïve about that. But sometimes it lures us rather than repels us. Just look what happened to Demas. He was one of Paul's fellow laborers, along with such stalwarts as Mark and Luke. But something happened, and Paul wrote to Timothy, "Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me" (2 Timothy 4:10). If the pull of the world is powerful enough to cause a colaborer of Paul to leave the cause of Christ and give the rest of his life to living for the world, we'd better watch out!
There are people out there--false prophets--who would lead you astray. But you can overcome them and the lifestyle they propose, not by sealing yourself off from the world, but by staying close to Christ. Remember the words of the apostle John: "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
Prayer
Lord, I praise You for Your victory over sin and death--and the world. Amen.
To Ponder
Although we no longer have to fear what the world can do to us, we do have to remain wise to its lures.
Most people have heard about OCD--obsessive compulsive disorder--that can manifest itself in all kinds of phobias. Some people are so afraid of germs and viruses that they can't even shake hands with people for fear of being contaminated. And that's a mild case of OCD.
Friend, I've seen that happen in the spiritual realm. I've seen people get so frightened by the power of the Devil or the dangers all around us in this world that they become immobilized by fear and isolate themselves. Now, it's certainly true this world is a powerful enemy. We don't want to be naïve about that. But sometimes it lures us rather than repels us. Just look what happened to Demas. He was one of Paul's fellow laborers, along with such stalwarts as Mark and Luke. But something happened, and Paul wrote to Timothy, "Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me" (2 Timothy 4:10). If the pull of the world is powerful enough to cause a colaborer of Paul to leave the cause of Christ and give the rest of his life to living for the world, we'd better watch out!
There are people out there--false prophets--who would lead you astray. But you can overcome them and the lifestyle they propose, not by sealing yourself off from the world, but by staying close to Christ. Remember the words of the apostle John: "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
Prayer
Lord, I praise You for Your victory over sin and death--and the world. Amen.
To Ponder
Although we no longer have to fear what the world can do to us, we do have to remain wise to its lures.
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