2 Peter 2:10 – 13 “Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, these men are unafraid to slander angelic majesties. Yet not even angels, though greater in strength and power, dare to bring such slanderous charges against them before the Lord.
These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed. The harm they will suffer is the wages of their wickedness.”
Recently social media has been full of photos of rioters chanting obscenities, painting obscenities on buildings, streets, and sidewalks, and generally filling the air with curses of all kinds. If you dared to ask these people why they are doing this, they would likely tell you that they are exercising their right to freedom of speech.
Given Peter’s comments in this passage, it is obvious that there is nothing new about such behavior. In every age there have been people who have spoken all manner of lies about God, insulting Him and declaring their independence from Him. God has given each one of us free will; we can choose to do good or to do evil. We can speak words that will build up or words that will tear down. And we can engage in acts of construction and restoration or in acts of destruction. To this extent, yes, we are free. But with that freedom come consequences.
There seems to be a general feeling today that outrageous behavior is risk – free. Those who engage in acts of violence become incensed if they are brought to book. But every action carries with it the potential for an opposite reaction. Once bullets begin flying and missiles are thrown, anybody in their path is vulnerable.
1 Samuel 15:23 “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…” Rebellion and control are the two sides of the witchcraft coin. All witchcraft is aimed at controlling something or someone – people, the weather, events, etc. And WHY the need for control? That’s the other side of the coin, the rebellion side. Those rebelling against God say, “God, I don’t trust you to work things out! I know better than you do, and I am going to force my will on situations, circumstances, and people.”
There are those who wish to distinguish “good” witchcraft from “bad” witchcraft and say that they are only using their powers for good. But this sentiment begs the question. If you are following God in the first place, you don’t need witchcraft. You are willing to trust that the Creator of the Universe, the One who spoke all the stars into existence, the One who formed your body in your mother’s womb and gave you life and breath, knows more than you do. You don’t have to obsess about control because you are trusting that God will work things out far better than you could.
Matthew 7:15 – 20 “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
Today there are many false prophets promising all kinds of things. But one thing has never changed: you can judge the purity of the motives by the kind of fruit they are bearing. If the fruit of someone’s actions is destruction of homes, businesses, and public property, why follow them? In the end, all who practice such things are liable to reap the wages of their wickedness, just as Peter has said.
Galatians 5:22- 26 says “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.”
We all are free to choose how we will speak and act. But none of us is free from the consequences of our speech or our actions. Each of us has a choice set before us: will we choose words that build up or words of blasphemy and hatred? Will we choose to restore and to renew, or will we choose to destroy? None of us knows how much time we have left in which to choose. Choose wisely, for your actions today will have eternal consequences.
PRAYER: Father God, please help us to seek you and to find you! Help us to be people bearing good fruit and speaking words of health and healing and hope. And Lord, let those who feel otherwise repent and turn to you and leave their rebellion and blasphemy before it’s too late. In the mighty Name of King Jesus. Amen.
Burunche's Blog 
Leave a comment