Be Careful of Those You Might Accept

I am going to throw out some caution this morning. As I continue to study the word “accepted”, God has led me to the passage in the first half of 2 Corinthians 11. Paul is discussing and warning of false prophets. I was reminded to remember to dig for truth as opposed to loud rhetoric.

“³But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. ⁴For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the on you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” – 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 (ESV)

Paul was the real deal in his approach to speaking the gospel. He was arrested and jailed numerous times. He did not require anything of the people, only preached to them the goodness of Christ and warnings of the challenges they would encounter for their acceptance of Christ.

There are plenty of “wolves in sheep’s clothing” out there working to “steal” you away from the truth. They will promise you the moon and avoid the difficulty of getting there. They will be happy to share more, for a price. They will make you feel as though you are not getting what you “deserve” and therefore should try their path to “goodness”. “The gospel of Paul’s opponents may have promised everyone health and wealth but no suffering, contrary to Paul’s message and experiences” (ESV Commentary).

I have to remind myself to be careful of these silver tongued charlatans and take a look at the substance behind what they share. “Many unsuspecting people follow smooth-talking, Bible quoting leaders into cults that alienate them from their families and lead them into the practice of immorality and deceit. Don’t be fooled by external appearances.” (NIV Commentary)

What are you looking for in your walk with Christ? Are you careful to look for the truth in the words and actions of those who come to you proclaiming? Would you do diligence to look for the truth in those you might accept?