Malachi 3:5
“So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me,” says the LORD Almighty.”
The story is told of a couple who had just been married. When they arrived at their hotel room on their wedding night, the bride proceeded to prepare herself for her new husband. She removed her wig and placed it on the table. This was followed by her false teeth, which she placed in a jar and set on the table. Next she popped out a glass eye and that went into another jar and, you guessed it, she placed it on the table.
The husband could contain himself no longer. Realizing there was more of his wife on the table than in the bed, He rushed across the room and knelt down beside the table and said: “I love you with all my heart!” What a stupid story! But it points out a reality of the way people are prone to defraud others.
In marriage, business or even in our churches we are in danger of being defrauded. It is the presenting of self in a manner that is not true. It is like the waiters in a fine hotel dining room. In the dining room they are polished, polite and proper— but as they pass through swinging doors into the kitchen area they become pouty, paltry and a pain.
I have come to realize that there is a critical need for spiritual discernment. Just because we are told something does not mean that it is true. How sad that we have been subjected to ministers who should devote themselves to preach the pure Word of God, but then evidence is discovered to prove that greed and avarice is more their goal than being faithful to Christ.
So what do we do to prevent being deceived and defrauded? Slow down and pray! Examine our own hearts to determine if there is sin that needs to be confessed or changes that need to be made. Ask God to reveal His Word—His will—His way! Wait patiently on Him.
I feel that Solomon provides a pattern that each of us needs to follow on a consistent basis. It is found in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
My prayer is that each of us will memorize and meditate on these words on a daily basis. It is only in this manner that we will come under His protection and guidance.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil