February 11
Avoiding Those Who Divide
Romans16:17

 

17: Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
18: For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
19: For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil.
 

It sounds like a harsh statement to turn away from those causing hindrances to people trying to stick to the teachings of Christ .  But they must be avoided in order to keep people from being deceived. 

The Amplified Bible says to "Be on your guard concerning them."  And to "turn aside from them to avoid them."  You need to be able to identify those who subtly draw people away from the truth.  If you listen too long to another person's criticisms, gossip or rationalizing then that will have an affect on you.   You need to keep the Word of God as your guideline and not speak about those things that are contrary to the way Jesus taught us to live.

 

Confession:

I will pay attention to who might be trying to convince me to live contrary to the way Jesus taught.  And like the Bible says, I will avoid them.  I will seek God's wisdom.

Obedience is a tree of life!