by David Brenneman
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will." 2 Timothy 2:15-26.
Be it whatever the vocation that the Lord has called you to be doing, it's always in your best interests to give it your best is it not?
From housework to corporate work and everything else in-between we are to do all to the glory of God are we not? "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved." 1 Corinthians 10:31-33.
Is it possible to be ensnared by the devil? Unbelieving people always. For the Believer it's entirely possible to be driven off track by the schemes of the devil. "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." Ephesians 6:11.
All face his schemes, but only the Believer, those saved in Christ Jesus, have the full armor of God to put on as a defense against such things.
The Scriptures say that which is the complete opposite of the world in describing Satan on purpose from Satan's point of view. He does not want people to really understand that he's blinded the minds of the unbelieving people in this world. He doesn't want people to realize that he disguises himself as an angel of light. Looking like he's coming from God when he enacts some devilish scheme.
In our lives we are oh so easy taken in by the things that are of this world. We have his schemes that begin at an early age through peer pressure. Then from other things that we are drawn to as interesting yet are known to be dangerous.
Backsliding begins in subtle small ways so that it isn't noticeable until it's almost too late.
Satan's not stupid. He knows from history in dealing with mankind that frontal assaults do not work.
His best work is when we willingly walk in.
Our worst reaction that he hopes to cash in on is our saying to God "I got this" with our good intentions apart from the will of God for us in Christ.
A good example is after the children of Israel crossing over finally into the Promised Land. Joshua got a little cocky in dealing with the inhabitants and ended up ensnaring the children of Israel for life. All because he thought he could handle it apart from asking the Lord about them.
We don't really understand the subtle depths where being made ineffective for God starts.
We don't see the little things that we choose as being that big of a deal that have decades worth of time that will be required to come back around to where Jesus wanted us to be.
We choose so many different things to add to our lives and do not consider the consequences of these things.
We get but one life to live for Jesus and Satan knows this. He knows that if he gets you to wrap yourself up in things of this world, and gets you to see that there's absolutely nothing wrong with it, then you'll never cry out to God for help concerning whatever it may be.
Blindness.
Asking the Lord Jesus Christ to open up your spiritual eyes will indeed open you up to many things about you that you never once considered about yourself.
Many people are afraid to ask. Thinking that the old adage of "ignorance is bliss" is a good thing.
Ever forgetting that some day we all will give an account of our lives before Jesus. Our deeds and thoughts tried by the fires of God's truth to see what remains to give back to Jesus for all He's done for us in saving us.
"Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:21-22.
Do you dare to ask Jesus what needs to go from your heart, mind and life?
You should.
Really consider this truth: Does it matter who you disappoint in this world if you are presenting yourself approved by Jesus? It should.
Does it matter to you that you care more about fitting in and going after your hearts desires rather than walking in the light as children of the Light of Jesus Christ? It should.
You choose which path you will go.
You choose whether or not you are giving Jesus your best life.
You choose whether you will spend time with Jesus or the wasted time on the things that are of this world.
Are you a Disciple of Christ or one of the world? Whom are you really investing in and purposefully following? God's word says you can't do both.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."
You get one chance to be a witness to the world concerning your life in Christ...and only a few times do you get to use words. If the world doesn't see a difference between us and them then there's no way they will see a need for the salvation we have in Christ.
If we are as consumed by the offerings of the world as the world is.
If we share their desires that they indulge in.
If we talk as they do.
Then our testimony is worthless.
What are you doing to feast on your time with Jesus? Are you taking in the Word of God daily? Are you in prayer daily? Are you seeking the help of your Savior in going through your day or are you only crying out for God when you know you screwed up? Are you even attempting to set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world? Do you have countless worthless things memorized from this world and yet have no clue as to how to navigate your Bible? Is prayer something you avoid because of how it makes you feel? Might that feeling be guilt? My Dear Reader it most certainly is.
The great news is God is a God of second chances. Turning around and returning to Jesus is but a prayer away for everyone.
Jesus is to be the center of our world. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself. Set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. Give of the best to your Master.
It may hurt to let go of the things of this world in order to find the full life in Christ. In fact it probably will hurt. But the rewards we can never know or appreciate until we do.
We shouldn't go around sounding all religious either. Get your life in Christ on track and the Spirit will do whatever talking that would be necessary to say about the things of God.
Pray as if Jesus were the only person in the room.
Praise Him as if He were the only one listening.
Spend time with Jesus as if He were the most important person in your life.
Because He is and is worthy of our all.
All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.
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