Unbelief With a Christian Mask

These examples resemble many true situations I've heard about:

 

✔ Christian friends in her church encouraged her and paid her rent when she lost her job and rejoiced when she found meaningful employment. But when they expressed concern over her promotion of the killing of the unborn, she bitterly cut them off. 

✔ The pastor spoke passionately about his love for Christ but held a grudge against his Christian parents, refusing their repeated attempts to reconcile.

 

✔ She faithfully attended church and Bible studies, but she held worldly views about most issues. And she enjoyed telling an occasional lie to make her Bible-believing friends look bad.

 

As culture declines, more and more professing Christians are revealing an “outward form of godliness” that denies the power of God's loving commands (2 Timothy 3:1-5).  

 

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:21

 

It's heartbreaking when we previously enjoyed fellowship with someone who reveals their unbelieving heart:

 

“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it.… But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God.” Psalm 55:12-14 

 

If you've faced situations like these, draw closer to the Lord and “hold unswervingly to the hope [you] profess” (Hebrews 10:23), remembering that “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).  

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These examples follow what is commonly called situational ethics. See From VeggieTales to Situational Ethics. 

For more insights, see the Bite Size Bible Study, Deception Beneath a Mask, that discusses some of the specific sins that influence these people who have an outward form of godliness. 

Click the image to find out about a book that can help you recognize false teachings. 

 

 

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Are You Feeding Your Soul?

When kids eat snacks all day, they usually don't have room for dinner.

This is a good analogy for our spiritual diet.

We must not let television, sports, and other types of entertainment crowd out Bible study, prayer time, and Christian fellowship. 

We should make sure we're getting a nutritious serving from God's Word before we start on dessert. Otherwise, our souls will become malnourished, and we'll be unable to make wise decisions or deal biblically with life's challenges. 

And we should avoid “junk food” altogether—those things that waste our time or cause us to compromise our values!

The prophet Jeremiah struggled with difficult tasks, and he fully understood the importance of God's Word in his daily diet:

"Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart.” Jeremiah 15:16  

Our souls prosper and our spiritual and emotional needs are met when we “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

We need God's Word more than we need our daily bread (Matthew 4:4), so let's “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8).

For more inspiration, see The Gospel Is Not a Buffet and How to Avoid Spiritual Spam.  

 

Free Subscription to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes. Have a one-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday. 

10 Reasons You'll Love the Book Wisdom for Life. A collection of 100 one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and a great gift for people who love God's Word.

Full Description of the Book Lies in Disguise. A much-needed book to uncover half-truths that misuse Scripture and weaken Christian faith.

 

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Discerning or Deceived: Your Choice

The popularity of false teachers is growing, and I've noticed that when Christians try to warn others, they're often met with these two objections: 

1. The teacher is doing so much good that the errors are not significant.

Scripture refutes this claim: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10

Mishandling God's Word is never insignificant, especially for a Bible teacher (James 3:1).

2. It's not our place to judge these teachers.

Scripture refutes this claim as well: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

We are called to examine the words, lifestyle, values, attitudes, and discernment of those who teach us. And we are called to expose error and warn people of false teachers.

Those who listen to false teachers lose their discernment. Satan blinds them, and they become increasingly defensive when their favorite false teachers are exposed (2 Corinthians 4:4). 

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”  Matthew 7:15-17

See also 1 Timothy 6:3-5 and Colossians 2:8. 

Please be aware of the dark side of one of the most popular pastors in America: Steven Furtick's Metallica Obsession.

For more insights, see How False Teachers Help Us and 3 Characteristics of False Teachers.

 

 

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4 Reasons to Avoid People-Pleasing

It's important that Christians understand that we can't please both God and man. So let's remember these four biblical truths:

✔ It's never right to remain silent about our Christian values for fear of offending people 

✔ It's never right to soften biblical truths to make them sound attractive to the world.

✔ We'll never make Christianity popular with the majority (Matthew 7:13-14).

✔ Persecution is part of living for the Lord.

Ephesians 5:5-10 warns us not to be deceived by empty human values because we “were once darkness, but now [we] are light in the Lord.” Therefore, we must “live as children of light … and find out what pleases the Lord.”

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25

When someone doesn't like us because of our Christian beliefs, that's proof that we're living for the Lord.

“Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. ” 2 Timothy 3:12 

It's appropriate to care about other people's feelings, to be kind and gracious. But our first priority must always be to please God, not men.

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For more inspiration to serve the Lord faithfully, see He Sent Us Out Like Sheep Among Wolves and Blessed Are You When People Insult You.

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When It Comes to God's Word, Get It Write!

I’ve started a practice of handwriting a portion of Scripture each morning. It helps me consider each word more carefully than when I type or read it. I’m finding that I often see new things in a passage that I’ve read a hundred times before, and I’m studying things I previously overlooked. 

“In an era dominated by digital technology, it can often feel like handwriting is becoming a lost art. However, a growing body of research suggests that the act of writing by hand has significant cognitive benefits, particularly for memory and learning.” (source)

At age 75, I definitely like the idea of doing something that helps my memory, but when it comes to God’s Word, these benefits are important at every age. My husband doesn’t like handwriting, but the good news is that hand printing has the same benefits. 

Another way to better retain what we read in Scripture is creative Bible journaling. This involves keeping a journal where you draw things that help you remember the passage. Not everyone will enjoy this, but if you have a creative side, give it a try. See Creative Bible Study.

Let’s never forget the importance of God’s Word in our lives (2 Timothy 3:16). If it’s not part of our daily schedule, we’ll be spiritually malnourished (Matthew 4:4).

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12  

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See Pen, Paper, Prayer & Learning Style and Ephesians 3:17 -- Rooted in Love for more encouragement in your Bible study. 

And if you're looking for a way to be even more creative, check out these ideas for making journals from composition books: 3 Inexpensive Journals.  

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God's Creation Is Loving — Part 4

I pray these three devotions will help you realize the loving aspects God has built into His creation. 

Killdeer Love  

If you don't know about the killdeer's way of protecting its young, you will be blessed by this one-minute devotion. 

  

Not Mother Earth, but Father God  

Do you know that nature has great benefits for us mentally, physically, and spiritually? This devotion explains.

A Fitting Description for God

A word that fits God so perfectly, but we use it too flippantly.

 

 

Don't Miss:

God's Creation is Fun! — Part 1

It offers fun insights about our Lord's creation of fireflies, bugs, and dogs!  

God's Creation is Interesting! — Part 2

It offers interesting insights into our Lord's creation of ants, sharks, lions, and the color green!

God's Creation Brings us Joy! — Part 3

It discusses the joy of 14-ers and ladybugs and offers suggestions for enjoying God's creation. 

If you enjoyed these devotions and you'd like to get a one-minute devotion delivered to your email each weekday, check out our free subscriptions. If you already have one, tell your friends and send them this link: Stay Connected. 

 

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Don't Fall for This Explanation of Habitual and Normative Sin

I recently read an article that used Romans 7 to claim genuine Christians can live in “habitual sin” as long as they continually repent and wish they could change. This article contrasted habitual with “normative sin,” which they defined as sinning without repentance or desire to change.

It's no surprise that this article focused on softening God's warnings about homosexual lifestyles.  

Romans 7 talks about Old Testament law, Paul's struggle with sin, and Christ's deliverance. Scholars disagree about whether Paul's struggle was before or after his salvation. Either way, we know Paul wasn't living in “habitual sin” because “no one who lives in [Christ] keeps on sinning” (1 John 3:6).

Paul wasn't perfect, but he was serious about his walk with the Lord (Philippians 3:7-14). When our faith is real, we may struggle with sin from time to time, but living in habitual sin is a sign of unbelief (1 John 3:6).

True repentance is more than words or feelings (2 Corinthians 7:10). It's a process of renewal (Ephesians 4:17-24).

If a genuine Christian struggles regularly with any sin, especially sexual sin (1 Corinthians 6:18-20), they'll want to change out of love for Christ (John 14:21). So they'll seek accountability, renew their minds in Scripture, and gain strength from God's Spirit to overcome their sinful habit. 

They will see improvement.

To confirm this truth, please read through the passages below and combine them with Romans 7. They don't contradict. They offer a fuller understanding.

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For more confirmation, see 3 Things Itching Ears Want to Hear and Have Christians Forgotten How Much God Hates Sin?

Please consider leading a study using Lies in Disguise. It will improve your discernment so you more easily recognize false teachings like this one.  

1 John 3:6: No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Romans 6:18-19:  You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.

John 14:21: Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.

1 John 2:3-6: We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 

1 John 5:18: We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.

2 Corinthians 7:10: Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.  

🠅 The Greek word translated repentance in the verse above “expresses a Spirit‐wrought reorientation of mind and heart that issues in a changed life. It is never presented as a mere intellectual shift, nor as a work that earns salvation, but as the God‐enabled turning that accompanies true saving faith.” (source) 

 

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Avoiding "Concrete Minds"

When someone is stubbornly resistant to God, we sometimes say they have a hard heart. And one thing that can contribute to a hard heart is a hard mind. We might call it a “concrete” mind.

It involves hearing a false teaching, mixing it with personal prejudices, and letting it harden permanently like concrete in our minds. If we hold on tightly to these false beliefs, which are usually half-truths, they become more important to us than Scripture. And we get offended when they're challenged.

Colossians 2:8 calls this being taken “captive”: 

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

When false teachings take us captive, we begin building a wall in our mind to hide the truth. 

Over the years I've learned that if I'm not careful, I can pour cement in my brain too.

It's so important that we check every teaching with the full context of Scripture instead of highlighting a few passages. This means we can't trust others to do our studying for us. 

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 

Concrete is great for a patio but not for a mind! 

For more insights on understanding Scripture, see "Pieces Parts" Doesn't Work for Scripture! 

This is one reason I've written Lies in Disguise. Many half-truths are creeping into the church and filling people's minds like cement.

 

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Why God's People Fly in V Formation

After watching a flock of white ibis fly over our house in V formation, I did some research and discovered that each bird flying behind the leader saves energy by catching the preceding bird's updraft. This formation also allows each bird a full view of where they're headed. 

This wise design is another proof that God's amazing creation is not a result of a messy evolutionary mistake. 

And it's also a great analogy for godly fellowship. 

In Ephesians 4:11-16, we’re told that Christ equips us so we aren’t “blown about by every wind of teaching.” And one way He does this is through fellowship with more mature Christians who can lead the way. As they speak God's truth in loving fellowship, each of us takes our place, following their example and benefiting from their spiritual “updraft.”

The V formation is also a great analogy if we think of the V as a symbol of Christ’s Victory over sin. As we fly forward in fellowship following the lead of mature believers, we sharpen our faith, overcome sin, and learn how to endure the storms of adversity (Proverbs 27:17).

So let's make God's Word our flight plan and fly with those who lead us in the right direction, flying “toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

For some additional important insights on fellowship, see Christian Community and Christ Didn't Ask Us to Make Converts.

Note: Man learns from God's creation: “The logic behind military aircraft flying in formation is similar to the reasons why birds fly in formation—it allows for coordinated movement, identification of any threats, and can save energy (in the case of aircraft, fuel savings).” (source)

 

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Let's Quit Blame-Shifting

We are easily influenced by false cultural views of sin. That's why it's so important that Christians remember:

1. Environment and circumstances don't make us sin.

It's popular to blame our difficulties for our bad behavior, but that's not biblical. 

Negative circumstances can definitely impact us, but Scripture says we choose sinful behavior (Genesis 4:7; John 3:19; James 4:17). It's not forced on us.

We aren't born perfect and then messed up by life. We're born sinners, and we choose how we are going to live (Romans 5:12).

When we come to Christ, we recognize our fallen nature, seek God in overcoming negative situations, and take responsibility for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Daniel was forced to live his life in an evil pagan environment, but he made right choices. 

See Hard Things and Singing in the Lion's Den.

2. Parents are NOT responsible for how their adult children turn out.

This is a natural spin-off of belief #1. 

If an adult child makes terrible choices, we often look for fault in the parents, not the adult child. 

Parents are responsible TO God for how they parent but not responsible FOR their adult children's choices (Ezekiel 18:20).

Joseph had a dysfunctional family because of his father Jacob's multiple wives and Jacob's unfair favoritism of Joseph, which made his brothers hate him. But Joseph made right choices. 

See Bad Blood and Beyond Excuses.

Let these examples remind you that with Christ we can overcome abuse, hardship, and persecution. 

We'd be wise to regularly read the strong warning in 1 John 1:8-10.

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