Don’t Be Fooled
Jesus tells us that people can do things that seem very impressive and very spiritual to others; yet, in His eyes, they are actually evil.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Thus, miracles and the ability to cast out demons do not necessarily mean we’re in a good place. The Apostle Paul also tells us that we can do some amazing things in life and yet gain absolutely nothing from all of our efforts.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
So, what is the key to understanding all of this? How do we make sure that our hearts and efforts are pleasing to the Lord? It’s actually very simple; we must do all things in the spirit of LOVE!
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Since God alone is love, if we don not have God in our heart then nothing else matters. If we do not have God, then we do not have love, and we are not being led by the Holy Spirit. To have God as Savior and the Lord of our life means that we will follow Him and do His will, and then we will do all things in love.
My prayer for each of us is that we will know God, be filled with His love and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit!
Psalm 119:133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
