“Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?” 2 Corinthians 11:29 NLT
I was pouring my heart out to the Lord the other day about the new ground the devil and his cohorts were gaining as a result of more people than ever being led astray. I could feel the anger and indignation rising up inside of me, and getting to the point where it was almost unbearable. That’s when the Holy Spirit led me to the apostle Paul’s words in the Second Book of Corinthians: “Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?” (2 Corinthians 11:29 NLT) All of a sudden, I realized that I was in good company, because the great apostle Paul knew what it was like to “burn with anger” when others were “led astray.”
Sometimes, as devoted followers of Christ, we need someone to validate our strong feelings when we see others “led into sin” (NIV). Well, I’m here to tell you today that if you share the apostle Paul’s feelings and mine when you see others led astray, you can take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. And you don’t have to stand idly by while Satan convinces more and more people to believe his lies. You and I have a powerful weapon against the devil’s evil strategies, and it’s called prayer. But if you allow him to deceive you into thinking that your prayers won’t make a difference, then he will gain even more ground in the days ahead.
Besides praying, we can speak out and take action as the Holy Spirit leads us to, and we can set a Christlike example to the lost and wavering. Most of all, we must NEVER compromise with the wicked. Scripture says, “If the godly give in to the wicked, it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.” (Proverbs 25:26 NLT) We can’t expect to make an impact on this world for Christ when we are basing our values on this evil world’s system, instead of the Word of God. Jesus said: “Let Me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.” (Matthew 5:13 MSG)
What about the people who are leading others into sin? Jesus describes their fate when He says: “Stumbling blocks [temptations and traps set to lure one to sin] are sure to come, but woe (judgment is coming) to him through whom they come!” (Luke 17:1 AMP) Because our God is a God of justice and holiness, the people who lead others astray will one day suffer a terrible fate. But there will be great rewards for those of us who refuse to compromise with the wicked, and who follow the Lord in wholehearted devotion. Today, take heart in the knowledge that you and I are on the winning side!
Lord, whenever I see others being led into sin, help me to pray the prayers of Your heart, and to take whatever action Your Spirit leads me to. Teach me how to set a Christlike example on a consistent basis, so that You can use me to draw others to You and Your life-changing Truth. Don’t ever let me compromise with the wicked in any way. Instead, help me to stand strong again Satan’s evil strategies and deceptions. Thank You that You are a God of justice, and I will reap a harvest of blessings for my faithfulness! (Isaiah 30:18 NIV; Galatians 6:9 NLT)
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