Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY SEEM TO BE

In the med 1950s this writer was among a large group of Air National Guardsmen who were blessed to receive Military Basic Training in the summertime in San Antonio, TX. For meritorious reasons four airmen in the group were made to be group leaders. As a reward for this august elevation, they did not have to participate in extra duties with the others. On one such day, while all the others were on KP duty, they were relaxing in the shade, listening to music on the radio. The Training Instructor asked if they would like to play a little golf. Like dummies,they jumped on the opportunity. He sent them marching to the golf course with assurance his friend there would let them play. Upon arrival, his friend received us happily, told us to jump in the back of the truck, and carried us out to hole 9. “But where are the clubs and the golf balls?” they asked. He opened a large box and began to drag out long handled swinging blades. “Here you are,'' he said. “Clean up this large weeded area behind hole 9, and if you hit any balls, put them in this little box. Do a good job now, so I can send back a good report to your Training Instructor. See you in a couple of hours.” Oh, brother! Did they ever feel like idiots! But, it was a lesson well learned. Sometimes they think that after all these years they can still hear that Training Instructor laughing.

Sometimes, when folks think they are on the inside track, it takes a rude awakening for them to learn better. In some cases, they never learn. But those who do know It really is not wise to trust eternal verities to the likes of others who are also sinners, and may have a blind sincerity that will lead to most undesirable places. The Bible speaks much about this sort of thing. “If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch.” And there are myriads whose purpose is to deceive. 2 Cor. 11:13-15. Make no mistake about it, Satan is a deceiver, and often it only takes reasonable truth twisted slightly to effect a deception. In matters that affect the never-dying soul, the guidance of God’s Word must take precedence of that of men. Why?

Because all things are not as they seem to be.

FOR THOUGHT: Can you name a few times you have been deceived? Were some of these self deception, or planned presentations by others? Do you know that Satan is the master of deception? Do you know that you are no match for his wit? Do you agree that knowing God’s Word is your best and only true weapon to protect yourself against spiritual deception?

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