17/10/2012 - Mind your words!

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And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

II Timothy 2: 17, 18

The Lord used Paul to warn us of the profaned talking – words that come from demons which, whenever pronounced, lure into deceitfulness all those who listen to the lies of hell. Any religious story – however logical and true it might sound – must be altogether rejected if it’s in disagreement with the Bible since it’s indeed coming from the devil (Galatians 1: 8, 9).

Precisely for that reason we need to be careful with what comes out of our mouths. The moment bad thoughts are only crossing your mind it means that you haven’t committed any sin so far considering that that’s the temptation phase (I Corinthians 10: 13); yet, if you give in to temptation you will be responsible for your actions. So, when you allow that temptation to teach you a lesson as you take lies as true you’ll be contaminating, apart from yourself, other people and then you’ll become guilty the moment you’ll fall in error and pass it to others.

Once evil thoughts are conceived and then a word contrary to The Truth is pronounced your heart will become evil which will make you speak just in line with the devil’s wish to the point of even rotting you just as gangrene. Nevertheless, The Lord gave men the power to rebuke everything not coming from The Heavens though all sorts of temptation might come up – and even when in faith – we’re tempted into being disobedient to the will of The Lord.

The Apostle Paul mentions Hymenaeus and Philetus, his contemporaries who, though Christians, allowed themselves to be induced by the spirit of iniquity. So, as they turned away from The Truth they caused great harm to themselves and to others who did believe in their lie when they firmly stated that resurrection had already happened by then.

Many evil doctrines have been spread out from generation to generation. I’ve met some people who used to openly preach that the days of miracles had long gone and that made many others give up on The Words and wonders of The Lord. Apart from carrying on going through suffering they failed to lead others into the Kingdom of God since their testimony was preposterous. Now, who has placed such lie in their hearts? What profit have they made with such damage? Unfortunately, Hymenaeus and Philetus did conquer many followers.

The worst attitude a person might have is corrupting someone else’s faith. Yet, we know that many have been used with that purpose – spreading false doctrines. What to say, for instance, of those who use treachery and bluffing to achieve financial resources or sexual satisfaction? I pity those who turn to the devil or let themselves be used by him to achieve any purpose whatsoever.

Therefore, you must always be ready to be used by The Lord God considering that, this way, you won’t be disgracefully and unpleasantly taken by surprise on The Great Day. Nevertheless, if you happen to turn someone away from the holy doctrine or if you happen to become a stumbling block for someone else there will be no excuses on The Final Judgment for you. Therefore, you must strive to have the delight of standing before The Righteous Judge and receive, from His very hands, the crown of justice.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares