Strength Against Deception

SCRIPTURE

Galations 6:7-8 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Galations 6: 7-8 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

OBSERVATION

The scripture begins with a very important word; deceived. The apostle Paul tells us not to be deceived. To not believe something that is untrue. Deception doesn't always have to come from others. The most convincing lie can be the one we tell ourselves. There seems to be a sense at times that all things are allowable. That we can sin and God will automatically forgive us. We are warned through the scripture that"what we sow we shall reap". Proverbs 12:14 declares that, "the deeds of a man's hands will return to him." We are accountable for our actions both good and bad.

APPLICATION

Who we are today is a result of the seed we have sown in the past. Our reputation, character, attitude, and success is a result of our past thoughts and actions. Who we want to be in the future is dependent on the seed we sow today. Are we sowing seed of the flesh or the spirit? We can't expect to sow to the flesh today and expect to reap heavens rewards tomorrow.

PRAYER

Dear Lord I pray for peacefullness, stillness, so that I can hear your voice. I pray for discernment so that I can follow your will for my life. Help me to sow the seed that furthers your kingdom and brings glory to you. Amen.

Threats to Humility: Strength and Boasting

“Walk . . . with all humility.”
- Ephesians 4:1-2

 What kinds of pride threaten to destroy our humility? Where will we struggle to be humble? There are several areas in which Satan will attack us.

The first area I call ability pride. We’re often tempted to be proud of our strong points, not our weak ones. I’ve never been tempted to boast of my fantastic mathematical ability because I have none. But I am tempted to be proud of my preaching because it is my spiritual gift. Thankfully, the Lord helps me deal with such thoughts. It might come in the form of a letter saying, “I was in your church Sunday, and I violently disagree with everything you said.” Or someone might tell me, “We came to hear you for the first time, but we like our pastor better.” Times like those help me keep the proper perspective. The key to overcoming ability pride is remembering that every gift you have is from God. All the credit belongs to Him. As Paul said to the Corinthians, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Cor. 4:7).

Another temptation is verbal pride, or bragging. There is a tendency in human nature to tell people what good we have done or plan to do. People get into a conversation, and soon they’re trying to top each other with their accomplishments. In contrast, Hannah asserts, “Boast no more so very proudly, do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge; and with Him actions are weighed” (1 Sam. 2:3). God knows the truth about what you have done. Proverbs 27:2 instructs, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.”

As a test, try to get through an entire week without talking about what you’ve done. Perhaps for a starter, try to last an afternoon. When people don’t talk about themselves, the absence of boasting tells volumes about their character.