The Slow-Boiled Christian

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 29

Gold Nugget

Verse 16: “When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous will see their fall”  

Commentary

A friend of mine and I were discussing the condition of the Israelites as described in the book of Ezekiel. He said, “The people of Israel had become so tolerant of the sinners, they themselves started sinning a little at a time until they couldn't distinguish between good and bad!” I’d say a very accurate assessment. We are seeing this happen in the US at increasingly dangerous rates. I was watching a television show recently that discussed the changes in American television over the last 50 years. Over the years the acceptable content has changed dramatically. When I was a kid, it was considered risqué to show Mike and Carol Brady in bed together fully clothed. The documentary I was watching about television over the years bragged of how many openly gay couples are displayed in TV today. They considered it progress that more and more nudity is allowed on regular TV. Cussing has increased and expanded to include more words. Whether people want to believe it or not, what the media deems appropriate is quickly deemed appropriate in society and eventually tolerable by the church, then later acceptable to the church. The “Slow Boiled Christian” concept applies here. The old story of slowly adding heat to the water will keep the frog from jumping out of the pot is just like our tolerance of sin as long as it comes slowly. Ezekiel 2:26 refers to Israel’s corrupt priest when it reads, “Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.” One thing that every Christian should hold fast to is the fact that the Word of God is applicable to all generations. It is not limited to some historical time and place. We are to measure ourselves by the Word of God and adhere to its principles. We cannot allow ourselves to be “slow boiled” by the devil. Seek the truth in His Word and you will not be desensitized by the enemy. As today’s “gold nugget” assures, “When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous will see their fall.” Despite the growing wickedness around us, the unspotted church will outlast all their “progress”.

Prayer

Lord, I know that you have been reminding me of what you expect in me from your Word. You have required that we as Christians stay pure and avoid the wicked practices of this world. With your Spirit in me, I can hold fast to the expectation. Amen

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