We are settling for far less than we have been offered. We are either very stupid, or we are deceived. I do not think most Christian leaders are generally stupid. We are a well-educated people, and we tend to address our stupidity when we discover it.

On the other hand, a deceived person does not know they are deceived – at least not until someone reveals the deception that has held them captive. Fortunately, the truth will make us free. Here is some, just in case.

God’s Promises

…to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19

His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2Peter 1:3-4

The Danger

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation… Hebrews 2:1-3

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work… according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2Thessalonians 2:7-10

Our Response

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God… 2Peter 3:11-12

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind… Romans 12:2

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:10

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us… Hebrews 12:1

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2Timothy 2:3-4

It seems we have some radical choices to make. How do we truly disentangle ourselves from the affairs of this life? What does that mean exactly, for each of us personally, for our families, and for our spheres of influence and fellowship?

Most of these passages are so familiar to us, they have become a form of Christian cliché. It has become our habit to give them mental assent, but rarely allow them to challenge our mind set and our engagement with the world. We must force ourselves to answer the question, “Where am I being deceived?”

Be careful; answering the question will feel like a great accomplishment. Your carnal mind will congratulate you and then distract you into something else. Commit yourself to the battle which has just begun. With that in mind, we leave you with this:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

In the Lord and by the Spirit, all things are possible – including the overcoming and conquer of our carnal minds.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob