Corona Devo 1705

People surprise me all the time with their goodness, and very often, I learn that it was not actually their goodness that prompted their good deeds or kindnesses, but it was their God-ness (the Holy Spirit in them).  I have seen that be true in myself as well: I may feel (in some way compelled to do something, and when it turns out to be a blessing to another or "just what I needed", or perfect timing...well...that wasn't me, it was the Holy Spirit in me, prompting me.  

There is good happening in this world, and while it is not always God's children shining His Light...good can often can be traced back to a believer.

But, (have we noticed?), not everyone is a believer.  

We see good happening, but we also see pride, maliciousness, unfairness, injustice and other bad happening too.  There are wicked and evil people in this world, and to pretend otherwise is foolish and dangerous.

The absence of Light is darkness, and not everyone is a believer.  God doesn't beat around the bush in telling us the consequence of choosing a lifestyle that does not include Him:

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (6) Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. (7) Therefore do not be partners with them.  ~Ephesians 5:5-7

We see good happening around us, but we see bad too.  We have to choose each day and choose this day whom we will serve (Joshua 24:15).  Are we living as a believer?  Because not everyone is a believer:

(8) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (9) for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) (10) and find out what pleases the Lord. (11) Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. (12) It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. (13) But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. (14) This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”  

(15) Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, (16) making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (17) Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.   ~Ephesians 5:5-17

~~

We have to be wise.

The other day my husband and I met another couple and in conversation, we realized that we had faith in common.  I thought they were believers.  

But as we chatted further, I realized that they were not believers.  

From Utah, they had lived here in Ohio a number of years and they shared with us a bit about their family, and they were awfully nice.  Speaking repeatedly of Jesus, they seemed like believers. 

But later I listened and watched later as the woman began talking about her (Mormon) faith with another woman in the room.  She mentioned her church (of Latter Day Saints) repeatedly, and then gave the other woman a book as a gift that she "thought she would really enjoy" because it was "such a positive message".

The longer I listened, the more convinced I was that not everyone is a believer. (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/mormons-jesus/ )

~~~

Paul (in the New Testament) knew this, and God knows it too.  People can surprise us with their goodness but we must be careful to know if they possess God-ness, because, not everyone is a believer.

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. (2) Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. (3) But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.  ~2 Thessalonians 3:1-3   

~~~

People might surprise us with their goodness, but we must verify their God-ness, for not everyone is a believer.


Blessings,

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com

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