JESUS SPEAKING
While fasting in the desert, Jesus was tempted by Satan on numerous occasions; several of which are recorded in the bible. Each time, the Lord rebuked the Devil, using scripture as His primary weapon. We read, ‘Then he (the devil) brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over You,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, lest You dash your foot against a stone.'” And Jesus, (quoting Deuteronomy 6: 16) answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'” Now when the Devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. (Luke 4: 9 – 13)
FAITHFUL THOUGHTS
The devil is a cunning adversary “who walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” As the master of deception he mixes the truth with lies; leading many astray. Unfortunately he is quite successful in this endeavor. So how then, in the midst of the temptation and confusion, can an individual discern what is divine and true from what is earthly and false? One need only follow the example of our Savior, and test all things against scripture; against God’s revelation to mankind. Anything that is incompatible with the scriptures is not of God.
Concerning confusion, many airplane pilots will eventually encounter situations that lead to spatial disorientation. Spatial disorientation is the phenomenon that occurs when a pilot has a mistaken sense of their position and motion in relation to the Earth. This condition can occur because of fog, clouds, haze, darkness, etc. When a pilot loses control of their visual senses, they must rely solely on their aircraft’s instruments to understand their altitude, speed, and direction. Despite the reliability of these instruments, many succumb to panic. This loss of control creates extreme anxiety, which in turn prompts the pilot to prioritize their perceived instincts ahead of their logical minds. Believing their gauges to be faulty, they come to trust in their emotions and feelings. This misplaced trust causes airplanes to crash into the Earth.
Like these confused airplane pilots, those who follow Christ can be introduced to ideas and doctrines that are new, strange, and peculiar. If they rely on their emotions they are bound to encounter destruction. Like any good pilot looking at his gauges to discern what is right, Christians must look at their bibles to alleviate any confusion. If any belief or practice doesn’t conform to the scriptures, then it is most likely a false teaching. May we all look to the word of God for direction and discernment.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you as humble servants. We desire to walk in the truth and to avoid committing ourselves to the practice of false doctrines. Protect our hearts and minds, and grant us discernment. May we have a hunger for Your word and a desire to accomplish Your will at all times and in every place. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus name, amen.” God bless all of you!
