2 John vv7-13

The apostle John has written again and again, “Love one another.” But there are limits. Pastor Dave taught that this week’s passage is a balancing counterpoint to the command to love. Someone may be a “nice” person; he or she may use Christian language and say a lot of things you agree with. But if that person does not confess that Jesus is fully God and fully man, then he is an antichrist. If she does not abide in Jesus’ teaching, going beyond his teaching instead, then she is a deceiver. John’s warning not to aid or abet such people is serious and sobering. Dave expressed specific concern about people involved in the prosperity gospel, progressive Christianity, Christian nationalism, the new apostolic reformation, or ecumenism.

Before the Lord, ask: Whom am I receiving into my house? Think beyond providing food and lodging! Think about whose voice and influence enters your home via radio (even Christian radio), TV, books, internet, and social media. Lord, to whom should I metaphorically shut my door – to whom should I stop listening? If you are a parent, the questions are even more difficult. Lord, whom am I receiving because my children – especially my teenagers – bring them home? Whose “wicked work” am I helping? Ask the Lord for discernment, conviction, and courage.

The apostle John is not calling us to withdraw to a fortress, safe but isolated. After all, the person he calls an antichrist, a deceiver, is a human being for whom Jesus died. Ask God how to view and how to treat the deceivers and antichrists whose lives intersect yours. It might be a neighbor or coworker who tries to engage you in a spiritual discussion or a would-be influencer you’re “friends” with on social media. Ask Him to show you how to move from keeping your mouth shut and getting along to winsomely confronting with the truth.

As we strive to be careful and discerning about who influences us, we need to constantly ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, and then listen. We must also be steeped in Christ’s teaching. I think of my grandfather, who was far from perfect. But the thing I remember most vividly about him was his Bible, kept open and ready by his chair. Whenever he had a spare moment, he sat down and picked up his Bible reading where he had left off. What if we did that in our spare moments instead of scrolling our phones? God, help me immerse myself and soak in Your word.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

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