Devotions
Rev Gav
Astray
1 John 2:22-28
And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ, for anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father, but anyone who acknowledges the Son does have the Father.
Therefore, you must remain faithful to what you were taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father, and in this fellowship we enjoy the now and forever life he promised us.
I write these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray, but you have received the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit lives within you, so you do not need anyone to teach you what is true because the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what the Spirit teaches is true — it is not a lie. Therefore, just as the Spirit has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.
And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when Christ returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back in shame.
Reflect
John wrote his letter to prevent his readers from being led astray.
People get led astray by other people — whether in-person or through media — and they have four typical traits. Firstly, they are good communicators, persuasive, and use eloquent words — often using flattering language. Secondly, they come across as ‘spiritual’, divinely appointed, or humanly inspired. Thirdly, they are confident, self-assured, and convince us that they have ‘the answer’ to our needs. And finally, a hallmark of those who would lead us astray is that they are vocal about putting others down, especially those who speak the truth — who stand against injustice or fight against greed and the abuses of power.
What is astonishing is that there are many church leaders and preachers who lead Christians astray, for example, some televangelists and those who preach a prosperity gospel. They tap into our insecurities and our deepest needs such as our need to be loved, or our need to be emotionally, physically, or mentally healed.
I recently saw, on social media, an advert for a new church being planted in a UK city. The adverts were slick and aimed at young people in their 20s and 30s. The marketing material painted a picture of this perfect husband and wife family who have a God-ordained ministry — that a blessing was coming to the city, God was at work, etc. Something felt off, and so I followed the links. Sure enough, none of the images had any black people, no old people, no disabled people, and no gay people. Everyone was young, smiling, and very white! Digging a little deeper, their statement of faith was non-inclusive and in fact, it was anti-inclusive. Non-inclusive and homogenous. This was not a safe church for the marginalised.
Here’s a thing. A true minister of Jesus Christ and of God will continually point away from themselves, put others first, not seek any kind of personal gain from their ministry, and be open and honest about their shortcomings. However, the truth is that it is almost impossible to know if someone is genuine or not, for it is possible to be in ministry and be a fake — a wolf in sheep’s clothing. So what are we to do? The answer is to not follow people! Or if you do (because in life it is almost impossible not to), then have your wits about you. By their fruits you will know them, and this includes their social media!
John urged his readers to stick close to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to speak into their hearts. You have a direct hotline to God, no less and no more than anyone else, and that includes us church leaders, pastors, and preachers. Our job is simply to support your relationship with God and with each other, and to equip you to fulfil your personal and our collective calling — helping you join in with God’s mission in the world.
Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash
Pray
Holy God
So fill me
with your Holy Spirit
that I may discern
your will and purpose
for my life.
Help me to
follow only you,
and to depend
on you to meet my
deepest needs.
and then