Watch Out

Watch out for those who cause division. Beware of those who appear godly but inwardly are ravenous wolves, causing division within the Church and, at the same time, accusing others of the same. Paul warned us by saying, “I know that after my departure, fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;” 

In these last days, many deceivers and wicked people have come to lead many astray. Even in churches, this is a widespread problem; those who are religious and do not walk in the love of God. On the outside, they appear to have it all figured out. But it is just a facade, a mask that covers what is truly in their hearts. Beware of them. Their actions will make it clear who they really follow.

But understand this, that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The devil has sent the people who cause division within the Church to deceive, tempt, and drag many away from the true faith of Jesus Christ to follow something that pleases the flesh but does not satisfy the soul. Be alert and watchful because they hide in plain sight. Walk in the Spirit of the Lord, and He will reveal their true nature. The fruit of their deeds will reveal the truth of what they are within.

Often, the churchgoer who is self-righteous and does not follow God in their heart is the hardest to detect. Because on the outside, they wear niceness and do everything right. But do not be fooled; good fruit comes from a good heart, and rotten fruit from an evil heart. Be on guard that their smooth and flattering talk does not trick you. Once their deceptive tongue entangles you and you believe the false notion that they are good, it is hard to break free from the lie.

God warns those walking in religion and not by the Spirit of the Lord in His goodness but fake the walk. To those whose lives have become a religious show or performance instead of in truth of heart and soul, He will deal harshly with them because they knew His Word and decided to do what is evil anyway.

Then I will make you go down with those who go down to the pit, to the people of old, and I will make you to dwell in the world below, among ruins from of old, with those who go down to the pit, so that you will not be inhabited, but I will set beauty in the land of the living. I will bring you to a dreadful end, and you shall be no more. Though you be sought for, you will never be found again, declares the Lord GOD.” Ezekiel 26:20-21

If you have been pretending to follow God, but your heart is evil, and your ways break God’s Law, turn from your evil ways and repent to Jesus. If you find yourself following men instead of God, turn and ask Him to help you break free by the power of the Spirit of the Lord. Understanding, wisdom, and the ability to see clearly only come through submission to Jesus Christ.

If you do not walk with the Lord in these dark and wicked days, you will fall into temptation and deception. You may think you are on the right road. Still, if you continue to do what is evil, such as gossiping, abusiveness, ungratefulness, deceitfulness, and any other wicked practice, you are fooling yourself. You are actually following the ways of the devil.

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; like Sheol, let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”— my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. Proverbs 1:10-16

Keep yourself holy, pure, and true to the ways and commands of the Lord. Look only to Jesus for direction, strength, refuge, and hope. Ask God to show you who is pretending to be godly, and once you have found them out, do not entertain their ways, but forgive them and pray that the Lord may rebuke them and bring repentance. Because just as it was for you, Jesus Christ is their only salvation. They need God’s mercy; they need the gift of repentance.

But if they do not turn and repent, their blood and sins will be on their own heads. Leave them be and avoid them. Follow the Lord, cleanse your hearts, purify your minds, and cast any wicked behind you. Stand apart and continue to walk in the righteousness of the Lord.

Give everything into the Lord’s hands. He is faithful. He will lead you and show you the truth. He will direct your steps, making your path straight when others beacon you to follow them. You will not be led astray to the right or the left when your eyes are on Jesus. He will guide you and put you on the right path, for His lovingkindness for His children is everlasting, and He will not let you be led astray.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21