Something reached out and grabbed me today. I was reading 2 John, which has the least number of verses in the New Testament, when I got near the end it made me think of the different “Christian” pastors, teachers, etc. that are out there penetrating our ears on a daily basis.
John is writing a letter to a woman. We are not sure who she is or where she is when he writes the letter. In the letter, he commends her for her household walking in the truth. Then he writer switches to warning her of false teachers. False teachers are very common in this day and time and they were winning over people with their slick words and charismatic character.
Then in verses ten and eleven, John writes, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.”
This teaching that John refers to is the teaching of Jesus Christ. Anyone you let in who does not teach this but teaches something that is contrary to that of Christ is wicked. Conversely, anyone who allows that into their home is part of the wickedness.
We could apply this simply to false teachers of the word. People who claim to be pastors or teachers, who are in it for personal fame and fortune, or people who want to circumvent the Gospel. But I think it goes beyond that ideology.
I think when we apply it to our lives today, we find there are things that we watch, listen to or read that go against the teachings of Jesus Christ. Things that we say entertain us, but in reality, affect how we think and live. Things that take our focus away from God and living righteously.
In these days leading up to Easter, take the time to examine what you are allowing into your home. What is going against the teachings of Jesus Christ? How is it affecting your world view? How is it affecting your heart? Wickedness can come in many different forms, so be careful what you let into your home.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Glen
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