Notes of Faith September 3, 2024
The Danger of Being Conditioned
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.
Ephesians 5:6-7
Though debunked by scientists, the fable of the frog and increasingly heated water makes a valid point. The idea is that a frog put into a pan of tepid water will remain in the pan (and die) as the water is slowly brought to a boil—illustrating the danger of gradual conditioning: what might have once been rejected becomes gradually accepted.
Such conditioning can happen culturally and spiritually. Think about the things that are now considered acceptable in American society that would have been unthinkable when the nation was founded. Paul provides examples from his day in Ephesians 5:3-5: sexual immorality, moral impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, coarse jesting, and the like. Such things have always been around, but they are now practiced in public rather than behind closed doors. It is easy for Christians who live in such a society to become conditioned to such carnality.
The surest way to avoid being “assimilated” is to meditate on the Word of God daily (Psalm 1:1-3).
One reason the church has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church.
Charles Spurgeon
1 Corinthians 6:9–11
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
We must know the Word of God by being in it (daily!). After we know it, we must obey it. Obedience is not easy, but the way to glorious blessing.
If we live in this manner, we WILL be an influencer rather than the influenced. Let us endeavor to be obedient and reach the world for Christ!
Pastor Dale