This is not going to be my typical post, as it has not been a typical morning. Yesterday was like "Thanksgiving Celebration 1", with my husband's side of the family's event and then our church's Thanksgiving Feast last night. The youth had a "lock-in" afterwards. My part to help with the latter was to be at the church this morning in order to have breakfast set up for 70 or so kids by 6:00 a.m., and then get them all picked up by 8:15. With that mission accomplished, I came home to greet the appliance repairman, who could not stay because the 2-person job was short one technician. Then, it was to care for the sick turtle, feed the dog, potty the dog, etc. Before I knew it, it was nearly 10:00. After this, it will be on to decorating the house for Christmas....if I'm not too distracted to do so.
'Tis the season.
In the midst of all this, I read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33. In this passage Paul was telling the Corinthians about his experiences as a missionary-evangelist-church planter. It is sobering to read of all he endured:
- 39 lashes with the whip on 5 separate occasions
- beaten with a cane ("caning") on 3 separate occasions
- stoned once
- shipwrecked three times, and one of those was drifting in the ocean for a day and night
- in danger from a number of sources most of the time
- let down in a rope basket, through a window in the city wall
- sleepless nights
- hungry and thirsty many times
- falsely accused and in prison on several occasions, for a total of 5-6 years
- always, during all the above, anxiously concerned for the young churches
When I look at this list, I realize that my minor challenges are, well....minor. It helps me regain perspective! The reason Paul shared all this with the Corinthians was to establish his credibility as a true apostle of Jesus Christ. He references the false apostles who had been beguiling the Corinthians, in verses 12-15 (NET).
12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may eliminate any opportunity for those who want a chance to be regarded as our equals in the things they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions.
I'm not gifted with a great deal of discernment, when it comes to examining other people. My husband has an abundance of that gift. But, I'm grateful for when God does give me an extra helping.
Certainly, Satan opposed Paul, because of how he was spreading the gospel so diligently and faithfully. While satanic opposition can be a validation of a person's ministry, the greater proof is whether or not the believer stays true to the Word of God. It is sad to contemplate the reality that there are false prophets in the midst of The Body. But, it is certain that there are. Like their true master, they disguise themselves as the holiest of the holy. While we may be deceived, God is never fooled. He knows His own.
One thing I've noticed is that the "wolves in sheep's clothing" are often prideful. They draw attention to their "accomplishments" as if they were responsible. Their eyes are on themselves. After all, again, they are following the example of their true master, the evil one, whose pride led to his eternal downfall. True servants of the Most High God know that they are incapable (in and of themselves) of any good thing. They recognize that it is His Spirit at work in them that accomplishes His will, and they give Him the glory for it. They keep their eyes firmly fixed on Him.
So, here we have two valuable "litmus tests":
- are they in-line with the Word of God as revealed in Scripture? and
- are they humble?
Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord!
Dear Father, thank you for discernment and perseverance in the face of various types of trials. No matter what my brothers and sisters are enduring today, Lord, give them your strength and your comfort. Some of them are dealing with anxiety, loneliness, sickness, pain, fear, persecution. Whatever our challenges today, may we keep our eyes firmly fixed on You, our Savior. In Jesus' name, amen.
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