Devotional - April 22, 2004

Perhaps nothing in the Bible is better known than these. Joshua's challenge is still potent and effective for all people for all generations. "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then make your choice..."

I wonder how many people serve the gods of this world unknowingly. Money, power, fame, influence - aren't they all temporary and fleeting values delivered to those who worship at the altar of the world? The Lord won't find you bowing at that altar will he returns, will he?

Jesus , in his end-time prophecy, started out by making this statement: "Watch out that you are not deceived." (Luke 21:8) If deception is not the trademark of our generation, I don't know what is. It's reached deep into every fabric fabric of our society, but it hasn't stopped there. The world's influence can be seen and heard in Christians as well as the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

One of the most well-known confrontational witnessing programs out there is one based on hypocrisy and deceit. It starts by confronting someone with a false claim: "I'm taking a survey." That's a lie; the only information the witness seeks if that which indicates the person is lost or saved. They then take a detour from the "survey" to deliver the gospel. Well, at least a portion of it. Mainly the part that generates easy acceptance. For example, the tract used doesn't even mention the word, "repentance," the only "proof" of conversion.

The interviewed person only has to listen to a witness say a prepared prayer to hear, "Welcome to the family of God." What's the result of this misleading interview? In the vast majority of cases, the lost person walks away still lost but thinking they're saved because of what they've been told. In most cases, the lost person gives the witness back what they received - deception.

It's interesting that the closing statement of most witnessing programs is based on Revelation 3:20. You've heard it: "Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone opens the door, I will come in." It seems only fitting that the verse would be misused and taken out of context.

You see, Jesus is speaking to saved people in Revelation who are caught up in a wicked world-based church. It's ironic that the words spoken to win the lost through easy-believism, should in fact convict the one giving witness to stop doing what he's doing. He should rebuke the practice and come out to serve the Lord sincerely, beginning with honesty and truthfulness. What comes in through a wide gate can easily get turned around and go out the way they came in.