“Godliness stands out”

Sunday, October 08, 2017

The book of Jude contains a description of the behavior of those who have fallen away but are determined to influence the faithful.  If we look at how they are described, we can clearly see how those who walk in righteousness stand out. Here is what Jude wrote:

“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit,” (Jude 16-19).

It is naïve for children of God to think that those who depart from the Lord will do so quietly. The fact is, those who leave believe they are in the right. Thus, it becomes their mission to convince others to follow them. This is why they may use flattering speech. This is why they appear to have your best interests in mind. The wicked do not actually care about your relationship with God though – they are ultimately more concerned with how they are viewed (3 John 9-10).

How can Christians counter the evil influences of such people? Jude provides the answer: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life," (verses 20-21).

It is the love of God that dwells in us and causes us to value how our Creator wants us to act rather than merely seeking to fit in with the world. By always listening to our God, we will walk by faith. Listening to people who claim to speak about God is not the same as listening to God directly via His scriptures. Yes, God’s faithful will stand out for this. Are you willing to stand out as one of them? Do not trade the acceptance of God for the acceptance of those around you.

Chuck

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