Have we let the leaven of the world change our ways?
James 2:6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts.
Matthew 7:15-16 Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?
We are told to be slow to speak and quick to listen. Often some will say what they want us to hear and have us believing and moving right away. We are told the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. The devil likes hate and anger because it can cause great harm without us taking the time to know what may be really going on. We should be very concerned by those who want to produce anger and fear by their words. You will know them by their fruits.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Scripture gives us a clear path. The Holy Spirit will lead us in all righteousness. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Will we study and learn Jesus ways for ourselves?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
Proverbs 26:17 He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
1 Corinthians 5:13 But those who are outside GOD judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”
Those who are unbelievers we are NOT the judge of their lives. We are even to gently warn our fellow believers and restore them gently praying that we may not fall into the same temptation. We are supposed to live in such a way that when God visits their hearts they see us as God’s loving, forgiving servants. God drew me by His love. What does the world see in us?
