Falling Away Has Never Been Easier

Yesterday I had one of the worst days I’ve had in a long time. You see, I know spiritual warfare is real.

I trained my children in the way that they should go so that they would not depart from God. But someone pointed out to me that the scripture says that when they are old, they won’t depart from Him.

You see, some lessons take years to learn. And in the blink of an eye, anyone can regress into negative behavior.

I thank God because I see it instantly. I recognize when I have allowed the devil to get a “foothold”.
When you see your weaknesses, your insecurities, imperfections, and the things that need correction. You realize that we are but filthy rags.

You see for me. I know the wiles of the devil. But when he comes for our loved ones, we can easily fall into sin. As we watch them try to fight principalities and spiritual wickedness, physically.

Regression Can Be Inevitable

All of a sudden, I was back in the self-pity, woe-is-me mode. Even Machiavellian. To put it simply, it became all about me.

I was so focused on what others would think that I couldn’t see or pray about how to help my child. Upset at myself again for ignoring the red flags.

Grace is precious. Because none of us are exempt from the wiles of the devil.

As I opened up the Word I came to this passage. “And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if thou will, thou canst make me clean” (Matthew 8: 2, KJV). The power in that one scripture brought me to tears.

Once I was reminded yet again that I am but flesh, my heart was renewed. The importance of grace suddenly magnified in my eyes.

One of God’s Most Precious Gifts

“For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;

“Not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]” (Ephesians 2: 8-9, AMP). If you understand this. You have been humbled. Just as I am.

It only takes a few seconds for a life to be changed forever. It is important to understand what Jesus has spoken about trials and tribulations.

“I am the true Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes or purges, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit].

“You are already clean because of the word which I have given you [the teachings which I have discussed with you]. Remain or abide in Me, and I [will remain or abide] in you.

“Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. (Now pay attention.) I am the Vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing” (John 15: 1-5, AMP).

One of Satan’s Greatest Weapons, The Spirit of Offence

As I am writing this, the Holy Spirit revealed a tactic of the enemy that draws many of us away. Becoming easily offended!

It is written, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual (or responsive to the guidance of the Spirit), restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Galatians 6: 1-3, KJV). Meditate on this for a moment.

Now be mindful. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit, before a fall” (Proverbs 16: 18, AMP).

Jesus confirms this when He says, “I did not come to call the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to repent], but sinners to repentance [to change their old ways of thinking, to turn from sin and to seek God and His righteousness]” (Luke 5: 32, AMP).

We are to remain focused, humble, and grounded. “Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you]” (Colossians 4: 6, AMP).

God’s Divine Certainty Should Be Treasured

And again, God convicts me in His Word when I am wrong. Recently, I was easily offended by some, and I turned from them and made them feel foolish. And although I know it was the enemy and I am fully aware that there was no substance behind the apology and fake excuses. I was wrong. Because God holds us to a higher standard.

I wouldn’t even apologize because of my pride. So let me go back as to why our words and behaviors are so important.

We are commanded. “Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious]” (Colossians, 4: 5, AMP).

Timothy stated it best. “The servant of the Lord must not participate in quarrels, but must be kind to everyone [even-tempered, preserving peace (your own peace, because it is not possible to live in peace with all men), and he must be] skilled in teaching, patient, and tolerant when wronged.

“He must correct those who are in opposition with courtesy and gentleness in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and be led to the knowledge of the truth [accurately understanding and welcoming it], and that they may come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2: 22-24, AMP).

God’s Restoration is Powerful

You see, God’s conviction is precious because it lets me know that I am still in right standing in Him. But on the flip side, as long as I was unjustified in my behavior, I had no peace! Because what is most important to me, than anything or anyone else, is what and who I am in the eyes of my Father.

But please don’t misunderstand me. I will set boundaries. And I don’t do foolishness.

Always coming from a place of love and truth!!!