(Hebrews 12:1) “…let us run
with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Deception is an astute, problematic and a very devious
anomaly. However it is not that irregular, as life, with all its tricksters
continue to confuse and ultimately deceive. But before the finger is so easily
pointed let us remember that we are all originally cut from the same cloth, the
fabric of sin! Our innovative minds are programmed to run with “sin” as our
underlying operating system. This is why the Christian is warned of sin and its
persistent onslaught against our conscience. It relentlessly looks to weaken
our resolve in many different areas of our lives. And sadly it has many
victories along life’s passage. But before I run away with its power, we must also
understand that it will never win the battle. As Christ has conquered sin by
His sinless sacrifice. God in the flesh, laid down His life, became a man and
then lived a sinless life. He upheld every one of God’s laws never giving-in to
deception or the temptation of sin. Some tried to insinuate that He was this or
that, every one of them a false accusation; they even called Him a winebibber
and every trap they laid failed! God proved His Son’s innocence to sin by raising
Him from the dead, and there are witnesses that if called to a stand to testify
would readily do so; “but God raised him on
the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had
been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from
the dead.” (Act 10:40-41)
Our ultimate victory in Christ is no longer in
question. We as Christians are justified by what He achieved and not by what we
achieve. It is all about Him, God’s grace (goodness) and He who has begun a
good work in every one of His elected believers will certainly complete it; “And I am sure
of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at
the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians
1:6) – And yet we nevertheless have clear instruction on how to
combat the enemy and this is where “deception” looks to rob us of our victory
as we begin to hang our heads instead of wearing “the posture” of our victory in
Him.
This then is the warning; “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so
great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and
sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is
set before us”. (Hebrews 12:1) – It
is sin that clouds our judgement; it is deception that keeps us believing a lie
but faith that believes in Christ’s finished work, it is that faith, which is
counted for righteousness sake; “And
to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his
faith is counted as righteousness.” (Romans 4:5)
Therefore it is
imperative to believe and trust in God’s ability to complete our salvation and
yes even if we find ourselves struggling with so many issues in life, even if
we are not living as model Christians, it is faith in our God that will in turn
bring about correction in our lives where and when needed. It has to be about the
“Christ in you, the hope of glory”, praise His glorious name!
Having said
that we are still under instruction, we must all work out those good works that
have been prepared for us as individuals; “For we are his workmanship, created
in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we
should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
“Deception” is
what looks to confuse the issue, so what will align our thinking properly? It
is not difficult, all one need do is pray this prayer; “God how can I be of
service to you today?” And not “God give me goodies today!” Deception keeps us
looking at our pitiful state, but faith looks to see how we can be of service
glorifying our great God.
Signing off
Tyrone
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