Good morning. We live in precarious times. In addition to all the concerns that blast at us from the nightly news and through cultural flow, there is a never-ending supply of people trying to rob us via modern, inventive, technologically advanced ways.
Scammers call you and ask questions which demand that you give them a “yes” answer. Such as, “This sounds little garbled, are you hearing me OK?” If you say “yes” they utilize cut and paste techniques and have your voice recorded to say “yes” to all kinds of things. You may get a text or an email saying that you have a pending delivery, and they need you to “confirm” your information. They may masquerade as the IRS and demand your information, and if you don’t give it to them, you will be arrested and jailed. They will do some homework and find the names of your grandchildren. Then they will tell you a story of incredible urgency claiming that your grandchild needs money immediately for a medical procedure or even to avoid being sent to jail. The list of scams goes on and on and we need to be wise and careful.
The reason I bring this up is to first of all create a bit more awareness of the problem, but also to consider how living in a world where lies and scams are so prevalent makes people doubt everything they hear, even the good news of salvation. The world has taught the lost to beware of what they call “religion” because it is the greatest scam of all. To be clear, there are those who use the name of Christ to forward scams. That is disgusting, but unfortunately it is true.
This means that in presenting the Good News of salvation to the lost of this world we must be incredibly careful to be upright and honest in every way. Even the hint of a less than honest statement may confirm the enemy’s lies and destroy the message we have been commanded to share.
Please consider a few scriptures that remind us of Jesus, His message, and our role in sharing it appropriately:
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ… Ephesians 4:15
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
Beloved children, let us not love with mere words or speeches, but let us love with actions and with truth. 1 John 3:18
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4
Be true to God’s truth. Share His truth with love and compassion. Always remember the Lord you serve with every word and deed.God bless you today! Vern