Cantaloupes and Spiritual Compromise

Most of Colorado is mountainous and breathtakingly beautiful. But the area around my birthplace (La Junta) is flat and unremarkable … except when it comes to cantaloupes. 

The little town of Rocky Ford is known for some of the best cantaloupes in the country. They're juicy, fragrant, and sweet.

Unfortunately, their reputation was temporarily ruined in 2011 by an outbreak of a foodborne bacteria called listeria, which not only made a number of people sick but killed some elderly cantaloupe-eaters. A case was brought against farmers who used a handling process that allowed the dangerous bacteria to thrive. 

It is hard to gain a reputation, but easy to lose one.

These farmers skipped an important safeguard, thinking it wouldn't matter, but the results were deadly. 

We can do this same thing spiritually, thinking that some of God's commands are optional or unimportant. But when we cut corners, we allow the bacteria of deception and compromise to damage our faith.

That’s one reason God tells us:
"Above all else, guard your heart … Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:23-27 

Do you have safeguards in your life to help you stay spiritually healthy? Take time to memorize and apply this proverb.

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To examine some popular compromises that affect faith, see Do You Have "Subtle Idols" in Your Life? and Questions Christians Should Ask Before Doing Yoga. 

 

Read about this cantaloupe problem HERE.  

 

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From False Motives or True

In 4 Characteristics of Genuine Christian Teachers, I addressed Paul's statement in Philippians 1:16-17. Following his warnings about those who were preaching Christ out of selfish ambition, Paul adds:

“But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice” (verse 18).

We know Paul would never have said this if those who were preaching for selfish gain were preaching bad doctrine. His letters are filled with warnings against false teachings.

Typically, false motives and bad doctrine go together, but the people Paul was addressing in Philippians apparently were teaching the Word, but not living it. 

This happens today as well. For example, Ravi Zacharias and Philip Yancey taught helpful biblical truths while involved in sexually immoral relationships. 

A desire for wealth is also a common temptation for well-known teachers (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:2).

John MacArthur, a well-respected Bible teacher, often condemned the selfish gain of false teachers like Joel Osteen, yet he had questionable financial practices himself.*

Does this mean that nothing these men taught was helpful? No. Despite their personal sins, they did preach some sound Bible truths: “whether from false motives or true, Christ [was] preached.”

When their ungodly choices are revealed, I think it's wise to find other teachers and authors since their sins could be mildly reflected in some of their teachings. But we need not forget the accurate Bible truths they taught. 

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See Why Philip Yancey's Book Is Backward on My Bookshelf and The Popular Teachings of Joel Osteen: Beware.  

* MacArthur's church belonged to the respected ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability), but when asked to comply with ECFA standards in 2021, they resigned, keeping their salaries and other finances secret. (Source) Several readers have become quite bothered that I shared something negative about MacArthur. If you are one of them, please read my response to the first comment below this devotion. It will give you more information about my research and findings.

 

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Prospering in Prison—Or Whining in Freedom

As much as we'd like to claim justice here on earth, Scripture doesn't promise it (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7). 

But we don't need justice to prosper spiritually. 

Unjust circumstances can sometimes lead to our greatest growth and ministry. Joseph is an example: 

• Mistreated by family—his jealous brothers ignored his cries for mercy (Genesis 42:21).  

• Mistreated by his captors—chained, enslaved, lonely (Psalm 105:17-18).

• Put in prison for doing the right thing—the vengeful lie of Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39). 

Have you been hurt by someone close to you? 
Have you been abused, cheated, or mistreated? 
Have you been slandered for doing the right thing?

Joseph probably had deep emotional and physical scars (Genesis 43:30), but he was an overcomer.

He prospered in prison: 
1. He believed God had a plan (Genesis 50:20).  
2. He believed God could use the sins of others for his good (Genesis 50:20). 
3. He always did his best because he knew God would bless his efforts (Genesis 39:2-6, 20-23, 41:41-44). 

Today's culture and many modern counselors encourage us to build our lives around victimhood. They assure us that we're deeply handicapped by people who didn't treat us perfectly. There's a great example of someone in Scripture who bought this lie. His name is Cain (Genesis 4:1-13).

Our culture will encourage us to be like Cain, but let's choose victory over victimhood and choose to be like Joseph instead. 

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To read about Cain's attitude, see Cain: The Ultimate Pouter. And don't miss the insights in today's Bite Size Bible study HERE.

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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4 Characteristics of Genuine Christian Teachers

In Philippians 1:15-17, Paul explains two types of preachers:

“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.”

If we're looking for a good church, these are the qualities we should seek in a pastor:

1. He teaches Scripture accurately. 

He preaches unpopular passages as well as popular ones.

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2

2. He's a faithful husband and diligent father.

First Timothy 3:1-7 explains he must be “above reproach, faithful to his wife.… He must manage his own family well.”

3. He's godly.

First Timothy 3:1-7 says Christian leaders must be “temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”

4. He doesn't live extravagantly.

First Timothy 3:1-7 explains he's “not a lover of money.” And Philippians (above) explains he's not motivated by “selfish ambition.”

It was true in Paul's day and in ours: we must be careful about the people we trust to teach us about Christ. 

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For more insights, see 3 Methods of False Teachers and 3 Things Itching Ears Want to Hear.

💙 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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Trust Overcomes Fear — Part 4

These three one-minute devotions offer encouragement when we're faced with obstacles that seem too hard for us to bear.

 

 

Feeling Forgotten

Have you ever wrestled with your thoughts? Ever felt forgotten? Psalm 13 offers help. This one-minute devotion explains.

 

  

Don't Go on Fear-Finding Missions 

This Old Testament scouting party turned a fact-finding mission into a fear-finding mission. This devotion shares what we can learn from their mistakes.  

 

 

 

The Comfort of Being Still and Knowing He Is God 

Psalm 46 offers some wonderful insights. This devotion will bless you.

 

Don't miss: 

Part 1: Trusting God in Every Situation  

Part 2: Biblical Examples of Trust  

Part 3: Ways to Build Trust

 

 

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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Understanding God's Definition of "Love"

After commending the faith of the Philippians, Paul explains his prayer for them: 

 

“And this is my prayer: that your 💙 love 💙 may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

This is such an important key to true growth in Christ: love based on biblical knowledge and Spirit-led discernment. 

Love has one meaning to the Christian and quite another to the unsaved world. Worldly love is based on feelings and desires, and it often leads to lust and selfishness. Christian love is based on biblical truth and God’s purposes, and it leads to holiness, sacrifice, and contentment.

In countless ways, worldly pressures have silenced or compromised Christian values. “Judge not” is the battle cry as people watch their loved ones march toward Hell. 

But back to Paul’s prayer.

We find the true meaning of love in God’s Word. It sharpens our discernment. It guides and directs our lives. It’s a love with godly values, unafraid to speak truth even if it causes persecution. 

So let’s daily teach ourselves about love by reading and studying God’s Word, dear Christians. Let’s love as God loves, in spirit and in truth.

 

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:24

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I encourage you to read one of the most popular Bible Love Notes with almost 60,000 page views: Benefits of Praying Philippians 1:9-11. And check out 7 Important Truths About God's Love.

 

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Lizards and Kings' Palaces: Proverbs 30:28

Today when I opened my door, a tiny lizard ran in. It was only a couple of inches long but very successful at sneaking in and hiding from sight. That's not unusual in Florida.

Did you know there's a Bible verse about these little reptiles?  

 

Proverbs 30:24-28 mentions small, clever creatures. And verse 28 says, “Lizards—they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings' palaces.” 

 

You have to admit it's ironic that a tiny lizard can sneak into a highly guarded palace, despite its lack of strength and size.

 

This proverb reminds me how tiny and weak we are compared to our Creator. Yet those of us who are determined to follow Him can move forward with confidence, knowing we will one day live in His “palace” for eternity. And we need not sneak into Christ's home. He invites us in.

We enter through a “living way opened for us” by the sacrifice of Christ, and we enter with confidence! Amazing! 

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, … Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  Hebrews 10:19-23

It's fun to see what things God can teach us through a tiny lizard! 

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To read about another situation that made me think of a spiritual truth, see Sitting in the Dark. And don't miss the humor in this situation I experienced when trying to learn Hungarian: Difficult Languages.

 

More on the message in this proverb: “A creature so small that anyone can scoop it up still ends up in royal courts. Proverbs 30:28 teaches that God uses the humble, vulnerable, and persistent to place them in the highest positions. Our apparent weakness is no barrier to His plan; like the lizard, we move forward with steady diligence, trusting that the King of kings will open doors no one can shut.” (source)

 

 

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Has He Begun a Good Work in You?

Philippians begins with a warm greeting from the Apostle Paul. Paul was not ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16). He taught it clearly without compromise, and his teachings brought maturity, sacrifice, and love from the Philippian church.  

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6

“Partnership” in this sentence is the Greek word "koinonia," which is deep, meaningful fellowship. It's the word Paul uses in Philippians 3:10 to describe suffering for Christ.

 

The Philippians gave generously in prayer, help, and finances despite their own needs. We know this because Philippi was a city in Macedonia, and Paul commends the Macedonian Christians in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, saying, “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.”

 

Paul didn’t offer the Philippians a soft, permissive gospel. He shared the truth about sin, sacrifice, and service. What a contrast with many modern teachers who promote comfort instead of sacrifice, selfishness instead of denial, sympathy instead of repentance (1 John 3:6-9).

 

Finding the true gospel means letting the Lord work in our lives continually, drawing us closer to the completion we will experience in heaven. Don't settle for anything less, dear Christians!

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For a quick overview of Philippians, see Philippians: Joy-filled, Loving, Powerful. And for some ideas for maturing in your faith, see 8 Evening Habits of Maturing Christians.  

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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Created in God's Image, But....

You and I and every human being are created in God's image (Genesis 1:27). But when Adam and Eve sinned, they damaged and distorted that image. 

Proof of this damage comes to a head in Genesis 6 when God had to send the Flood so that evil did not overtake all of mankind.

“The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.  The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.” Genesis 6:5-6

Sometimes we forget how sin grieves our loving God. It makes His grace and forgiveness even more meaningful. 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”  2 Corinthians 5:17 

When we become Christians, we start an important process to restore our souls to better reflect the image of God. 

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13

Take time today to sincerely thank the Lord for His loving redemption and restoration!

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For more insights, see Romans 12:1-2: Grateful and Transforming, and check out the Bite Size Bible Study that offers further insights into our redemption and restoration.

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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Will You Choose Popularity or Confrontation?

It doesn't happen often, but sometimes a fellow believer starts making sinful choices. If we love them, we'll warn them. But that's never easy. 

 

Some people will hate us for doing it, just as people hated Jesus (John 7:1-7; John 15:18-27). It's especially difficult when we need to confront friends or family members. 

 
The few times I've faced this situation, I've reminded myself of Ezekiel 33:7-9, where God tells Ezekiel that he's a watchman, and God will hold him responsible if he doesn’t warn people of their sins. (Scripture below)

 

If we are honestly dealing with our own sins, we're commanded to warn others:

 
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

“My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.” James 5:19-20

 
I don't want to remain quiet if a fellow believer walks into soul-damaging behavior. It may not be easy, but it's better to trust in the Lord than to fear how people will react:

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

 

Let's love our fellow believers, even when it involves confrontation. 

 

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For more insights into this, see How and When to Confront People and 5 Ways to Stand Firm Against "Christian" Weeds.

Ezekiel 33:7-9:  “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.  When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.  But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.”  

 

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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