Don’t get tricked

“Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.” Ephesians 4:14 NLT

In an article titled, "To Get the Right Fit, Ignore the Number on the Shoe Box," published by Runner's World Tuesday, coach Jeff Dengate wrote, "If you’re a size 8, don’t expect all size 8 shoes to fit well. He went on to say, "Because I’ve been fitting wear-testers and staff for new running shoes for so many years, I know that many runners wear a shoe that’s too small for their foot. But, they insist it fits because the number on the box matches what size they typically wear. My advice: Ignore the number on the box. I trick our wear-testers by giving them just the shoe, not the box, when I think they may benefit from going up a half size. You can find the right fit by visiting your local running shop and trying on multiple pairs—or by taking advantage of generous return policies from internet sellers.” Wow. This is one time when being tricked is a good thing, right? 

And you know, when it comes to the deceitfulness of men as it’s intended to bring about harm rather than good, Paul pleaded with the church at Ephesus to make every effort to become mature in the faith and to create and keep unity within the body of Christ. Why? Because He knew it was important to keep them, and us, from being “tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching” or influenced when people tried to trick them "with lies so clever" they sounded like the truth. You see, immature Christians are apt to believe false teachings, disinformation, and false statements because their personal knowledge of the Truth is limited, thus they fall for the tricks of the enemy. Which is the very reason every believer must do their part to be a healthy, growing member of the church.

So make every effort to become mature in the faith and to keep yourself united with the body of Christ my friend. Be vigilant and purposeful in setting aside time for daily Bible study and weekly fellowship so that you won’t be tricked by false teachers who speak “lies so clever they sound like the truth.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that each and every one of us needs to be growing within the shelter of a body of believers. Please give us a hunger for the Word and a yearning for fellowship so that we would do our part in making the church healthy, whole, and strong Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen

Happy Running!