Stand Firm

Yesterday I was studying the Holy Spirit with two of my friends. It was exciting as we discussed the passages and I could see their eyes being opened to new truth. But it was also heart breaking to see them realize how vastly different the Truth of the Word is compared to what is being taught in their churches. These two girls are seeking the Way of Christ, but they are being led astray by those who claim to be “Christians.” As we were talking, I couldn’t help but be reminded of Matthew 7:15.

“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

Shouldn’t church be the place to go for answers? Shouldn’t pastors be leading people to truth? Shouldn’t fellow Christians be encouraging and building up the body? But in so many places, the church parades around in sheep’s clothing while it devours people like ravenous wolves. I know that the church is full of sinners and it will only reach complete perfection when Christ returns, but until then where do I tell my friends to worship in spirit and truth?

My heart is broken for my students. It is broken for the churches in Tanzania. It is broken for the student fellowships that exist on campus. It is broken for all of those who claim to be Christian. It is broken for all of those who claim to be “saved.” But as my heart breaks, the only thing I know to do is go before the Father. The only thing I know to do is plead for these people. The only thing I know to do is pray that they will continue in His word and become true disciples of Him, that they will know the truth and the truth will make them free. (John 8:31-32)

My friends told me yesterday, “It’s just so confusing, Whitney. Everyone is saying something different.” I wish that wasn’t true. I wish that the world wasn’t screaming a million different things at us. I wish that false prophets didn’t drag us astray. I wish that our churches weren’t teaching lies. But this has been happening for hundreds of years. Jesus told us to expect this. Jesus told us it will continue. So if this is the way it is going to be, how do we fight it? We fight with the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, the truth. But we can only use the truth when we know it. We can only know it when we study it. So it all comes back to where we started yesterday – studying the Word. So I will encourage my friends to keep studying truth so they can be prepared to fight. But I also want to encourage you, are you prepared to fight?

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13.