22/10/2013 - WHEN SOMEONE BECOMES WICKED

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An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes.

Psalm 36:1

Disrespect towards the Word of God often comes as a “mere” and naive temptation. With his subtleties, the enemy knows how to make humans fall into his claws. So, be vigilant and pray to stay firm and do not be embroiled by the tempter (I Peter 5:8). The Lord Jesus would not give us this advice if it were unnecessary; but oddly enough, even though He has taught us not to fall into temptation (Matthew 6:13), we have not heard Him.

One of the tricks of the wicked one is to convince Christians that, for some reason, they are special and therefore they can do what is wrong because in their case their attitude is justifiable (Genesis 3:1-5). Now, when someone accepts any argument against the revelation of the Word, he becomes the servant of wickedness. The devil has convinced him that his iniquity will not be found and that even if the truth comes to light, people who will think he is right.

It doesn’t matter how many approve or rebuke your actions. If such actions are not entirely within the limits established in the Scriptures, they are wicked and, therefore, they should not be practiced. If an individual does not abandon his misconduct, he/she will soon be using a mouthful of malicious and deceptive words. When people stop being wise and no longer practice what is good, they see no problem in using corrupt words, even obscenities.

The wicked work out evil on their beds (Titus 1:15)! In their minds they build what later will become their behavior. If there is no sincere repentance and subsequent rebuke of temptation, it gets real. Therefore, it is necessary to purge all temptations, confessing them to the Lord and pleading for complete purification. What you think is what you will have, so watch and pray so as not to fall prey to the destroyer.

Those who are overcome by wickedness see nothing wrong in certain dubious friendships or in watching erotic, x-rated movies because they consider themselves to be above such practices and, as an excuse, they say they do it because they want to see how low mankind has sunk. When Eve spoke with the serpent, she thought it would be harmless to eat the forbidden fruit but then she saw what she should have never seen. Watch out! Flee from the strategies of Satan!

Over time, the wicked can no longer depart from evil because they have already been possessed by one or more hellish spirits. The proof that a person is possessed by the devil is that they do not feel the need to make amends with the Lord (I Timothy 4:1-2) because for them wrong became right. Besides, those who lead a godly life are perceived as silly, naive and backward, as people who do not know how to enjoy life.

In Christ with Love,

R. R. Soares