Staying on Track

I have noticed some increased a fatigue in the past couple of days. I’m not sure if it is related to my body acclimating to  the Chiropractic adjustments or just the Myasthenia Gravis. After an afternoon nap, I did ride my bike to the fitness center for a workout. It has been a few weeks since I have been there, so it was good to return. Debbie is enjoying our new garage set up. I’m not sure I appreciated the challenges she has had to put up with the past almost two years. So this new change is not only good news for me but for Debbie as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…Be on your guard, then, so that you will not be led away by the errors of lawless people and fall from your safe position. But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17,18

In his second letter Peter cautions believers against false teachers. It is one thing to be opposed in your faith by those who are against Christ, it is another to have your faith challenged, put to the test, by those who claim to be followers of Christ. But this has been a tactic of the “evil one” since the Old Testament and Peter acknowledges that as he writes,False prophets appeared in the past among the people, and in the same way false teachers will appear among you. They will bring in destructive, untrue doctrines, and will deny the Master who redeemed them, and so they will bring upon themselves sudden destruction.” (2 Peter 2:1)

Paul warned the Ephesian elders, “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20:30)  Peter warns that false teachers are often after financial gain and are covering up their own lives of disobedience. Peter told believers about those who twist the words of Paul to gain a following: There are some difficult things in his [Paul’s] letters which ignorant and unstable people explain falsely, as they do with other passages of the Scriptures. So they bring on their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:16)

In this environment that can challenge and be toxic to faith Peter reassures believers, “…the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and how to keep the wicked under punishment for the Day of Judgment…”       ( 2 Peter 2:9) Distorters of truth and mockers of God’s promise can pose a trial to those who are endeavoring to live faithful lives. The solution is to stay close to the clear teaching of God’s Word. There are some who have almost made it their life calling to “call out” those they believe are “false teachers,” but Peter says the Lord will be the final judge and hold them accountable.

Peter’s final words give additional direction. “Be on guard…” Awareness is the key. Just because someone uses a biblical reference doesn’t mean they are teaching truth. What is the fruit of their lives? What is the impact on people’s lives? Are their words a clear departure from the historic teachings of the faith? These are the questions that help us to “stay safe.”

Peter concludes by saying, “grow in grace and in the knowledge of….Jesus Christ…” We have a personal responsibility to strengthen our faith, to know and study the Bible so that we can navigate the “mine fields” that pose a threat to our spiritual lives.