Though Paul’s words were harsh, his heart was a heart of love which cared too much to ignore dangerous deception.
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 11:12-15
12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Observation
Not all of those who claimed to be men of God, were truly led by God. Paul loved the church enough to confront false doctrine and false men of God, who were leading the believers away from the savior. Though his words were harsh, his heart was a heart of love which cared too much to ignore dangerous deception.
Application
False teachers are not an extinct species. Carnal men who claim to speak for God are still just as present, and just as much of a threat to the Body of Christ today as they were 2000 years ago. Left unchallenged they have the ability to teach false doctrine, bring bondage and condemnation, introduce doubt, and cause spiritual disease among the church. A critical component of a healthy body is an immune system–that part of the body which remains alert to intruders and toxins, and sounds the alarm when they are found. Though their job is often thankless, the whole body would die without them. Their actions may seem harsh and their words confrontational–but when their motivation and guiding force is love for Christ and love for the church, they perform a critical and necessary function.
This week, I need to be mindful of ideas, thoughts, teachings, and mindsets that are not aligned with the word of God. I must be willing to confront in love, so that the whole body would be healthy and continue to grow.
Prayer
God, thank you for the unchanging truth of your word! Thank you for the Body of Christ, which is designed in such an amazing way to bring you glory, and share your hope with the world! Help me to always value those in the body who are willing to confront error in a spirit of love–and give me that same discernment, boldness, and wisdom to love enough to confront.
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