According to 1 Kings 13:8, it would appear this is a remote Bible story of one prophet being deceived by another. He said, “I am like you.” The world still uses this strategy to erase any differences among people, especially between believers and unbelievers. The man who was deceived became rebellious like the false prophet losing his mission and even his life. We’ve already lost our own appreciation for uniqueness as believers. Can the world see a distinct difference in us? Maybe there is none for some of us. The Bible says there are those who think themselves wines but are not. These are those who think themselves religious but do not have pure religion, these are those who call themselves Christians but actually are not. So, let’s test our spiritual state in a few areas.
Do you struggle with temptation? Let us be clear that a temptation is not a sin. Sin comes in when commitment is involved such as thought, deed, or lack of action. Temptation separates the genuine from the imitation. We should remind ourselves that temptation is to be expected, endured, and suffered (James 1:12) There is a benefit to temptation because as we reject it, we become refined as gold is separated from the dross.
What does the End Time mean to you? Some people can be so attached to the world that they actually dread the return of Christ. On the other hand, some people are so unhappy with this world that they see the return of Christ as an escape from responsibilities. Some people actually profit on the subject of End Time by sensationalizing it through books or television programs. For the grounded believer this is a means of reunion with our Lord and with others that we love. The very thought of it is a source of comfort while we wait for Christ. The strong believer realizes how serious it is by preparing, working, and being vigilant as an example to win others to Christ.
Do you conform to Scripture? Has your life been molded by it? There are mistakes people make when it comes to observing the Bible. Some people treated it as Law without considering it as the means to express our love and service to Christ and for others. There are people who pick and choose favorite scriptures to follow without knowing the full picture of what it is for Christ to return. There are those who consider the future yet to become quickly cooled and distracted while compromising with the world.
There basic Bible verses that are so often ignored by professing Christians: Leviticus 19:16 warns us against gossiping. Colossians 3:21 warns us against discouraging our children. Then there are several verses in Romans 12 that says we should love without dissemination, be kind, and weep with those who weep. Romans 13 adds other instructions such as to not any go man, to not grieve our brothers, and to submit ourselves to each other in the Lord. Finally, Romans 15 says that we should strive together in prayer. How many of these verses do we keep in mind as part of our daily life?
What are we going to do about the results of our self-test? We must elevate Christianity from religion to a relationship with Jesus Christ. A wise believer will understand the real issues happening in this world with the proper view of Satan and our victory in Christ. Hopefully, we will live a consciousness of life through faith. All in all, whenever there is a question in our lives it would be wise to retreat to the Word of God.
Christian Writer 