Today’s devotion is taken from 1 Timothy 4:1-8
Do not be deceived and follow the TRUTH!
In the above passage, Paul forewarns us that in
latter times, some of us will abandon the faith and be deceived by wrong
teachings and follow deceiving spirits. This doesn’t mean losing the ability to
believe, but losing the content of what Christians should believe i.e. the
teachings of Christianity.
Having read this, it is not surprising that in a
world filled with evil, corruption and false media, one can easily fall into
temptation and fill their minds with doubts if they are not careful. To counter
this, Paul forewarned us and encouraged us to have ‘nourished on the truths of
the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed’. Paul advised us to
be united in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and the result will
be that “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed to and fro by the waves and
carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in
deceitful schemes”. (Ephesians 4:13-14).
The enemy will always be out to get us and he is
clever in masking behind a deceiving statement that would seem logical to the
world but it may not be so to Christian beliefs. Which is why, it is so
important to arm ourselves with the knowledge of the Word. Let’s not get
complacent and think that we already know the Word of God. Meditating on the
Word daily is the key. “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives
be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught,
and you will overflow with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:7)
For example, would it be sufficient for us to
exercise just once to lose weight? The answer would be no. In order to maintain
a healthy weight, it requires proper discipline on our diet and even a regular
work out. With this, I want to encourage you to EXERCISE, exercise on the Word
of God. So that the next time you hear a questionable statement, you wouldn’t
be easily swayed by the worldly views. Stop and think. Remember to always verify
with the Word of God and tune into the Holy Spirit for guidance. We pray to be deeply rooted in Christ like
“like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their
leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do” (Psalm 1:3).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing to us the
Way, the Truth and the Life so that we may have an eternal life. You alone are
perfect in knowledge and wisdom. Please give us teachable attitudes and hearts
that love to learn the Truth. Grant me a
spiritual discipline so that I may meditate on your Word daily. I pray for the
Holy Spirit to always guide us to follow the Truth and deliver us from false
teachings.