Warning
Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
Hebrews 3:12-14 (NLT)
A few years ago, we moved into a new house with dim light bulbs in the bathroom, which caused a problem for me one morning. As I was getting ready for church, I looked in the mirror in the bathroom, and everything appeared to be fine. After arriving at church, I went into the bathroom, where there was good lighting. As I was washing my hands, I looked in the mirror and noticed a long hair growing out of my nose. Thankfully, I could pluck out the nose hair before I walked around the church and embarrassed myself. I wondered afterward if anyone would have noticed. And if they noticed, would anyone have said anything? I asked myself if I would have said anything if I saw that in someone else and realized I probably wouldn’t have noticed!
It's beneficial to shine the light of God’s Word into our lives to help us see if there’s anything turning us away from our relationship with Jesus. It’s also helpful to have other people in our lives who can notice what we can’t see and who we can trust to lovingly tell us the truth.
When I drive up to an intersection, I appreciate it if my passenger warns me that a car is approaching. It’s also helpful if I have a brother or sister in Christ to let me know if something in my life is drawing me away from growing my relationship with God.
How can I make sure that I’m not turning away from God? Ask God to use the reading of His Word to shine His light into the hidden areas of your life. Ask God to show you some trusted friends who can warn you when they see you being deceived by Satan or the interests of this world. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you and speak to you.
Jesus said, “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
John 14:26 (NIV)
Application: Ask God to show you a trusted friend who can pray for you today.
Prayer: Father, guide me to someone I can pray with. Show me someone I can pray for who will pray for me as well.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?