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Deceived

            But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. (James 1:22)

One of the big issues facing society is one of identity. We don’t know who we are. On the one hand, we are told that it is wrong to culturally appropriate some aspect of a culture that isn’t our own. On the other hand, we are told that it is wrong to deny anyone any identity they want. I guess the whole point is that if I believe I am X, I am free to appropriate all of the culture of X, but if I don’t claim to be X, it’s wrong for me to appropriate the culture thereof. Except when it comes to man-buns. Men can appropriate feminine culture. It’s so confusing, and it’s meant to be. It’s all about gaslighting – either psychologically or morally.

But the problem is that this process damages further the whole concept of Christianity within society. Is a Christian someone who claims to be a Christian? Or is a Christian someone who hangs with other Christians? Or is a Christian someone who actually does what the Bible says a Christian is supposed to do? Or is a Christian someone who is involved in a relationship with Jesus Christ? 

            As we read through that list, we must bear in mind that each item excludes more than the item before. What this passage says is that it’s possible to be deceived about being a Christian – and not merely that you might deceive others in this regard. A person can claim to be a Christian and believe he/she is a Christian, and not be. The key is in whether or not we are and do what Scripture says – not perfectly, but in an increasing manner. What matters is whether or not Jesus calls us His.

            This doesn’t sit well with accusers. There are people who delight to pronounce that a person who says they are a Christian cannot be a Christian because the professing person does not meet with the standards of the accuser for some reason. We need to be very careful when we start making accusations, even against ourselves.

            At the same time, we are not to be fools. If a person claims to be a Christian and denies what Scripture says, the person may or may not be a Christian. They may simply not know better. They may simply need to be educated. Wisdom and patience are needed here. Included in both wisdom and patience is the stipulation that we do not attack the person. The focus should be on what Scripture says, not on what they do or believe. They may be deceived, but that is not sufficient to allow us to stop loving them – but we aren’t loving them if we do not point out their error.

            Even more critical is that we make sure we are not deceiving ourselves. We need as much wisdom and patience with ourselves as we do with them. And the first piece of wisdom is this: if we have concerns about our salvation, we need to take those concerns to Christ. 

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