The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable—who can understand it? I, the Lord, examine the mind, I test the heart Jeremiah 17:9-10 (HCSB)
We hear the words, trust your heart from our best of friends, but truthfully, biblically, we cannot, we must not. Our heart will deceive us every time.
What I'm about to share with you hurts and angers me all at the same time.
It has been reported that a brother in a VERY public position has fallen...hard. Mentioning his name accomplishes nothing, so I refuse to. What I will say is that we could all place our names in that CNN headline. You see, if we are not accountable to a brother (for men) or a sister (for women), we will be in the the same boat because we have the same fallen heart.
Don't think so? Re-read Galatians 6 and place your name there instead of "you" and "brother". It is then it becomes strikingly real. We are all able to crash into the same ditch of sin. Therefore, it is with fear and trepidation that I write these words and recall the words written by the doctors Blackaby in Experiencing God Day by Day:
"Standing with Others
"Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.—Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
"From the beginning of time, God made it clear that it is not good for His people to be alone (Gen. 2:18). God designed us to cooperate. Throughout the Scriptures He speaks of His people as a community that accomplishes more together than separately. God did not create us as isolated individuals, each seeking to achieve our own goals. Rather, the success of our endeavors depends upon our interdependence. This is why He established the Church and released His Holy Spirit to empower the community of believers to spread the gospel. We are to be a kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:9).
"During difficult times it is critical that we are walking in fellowship with other Christians. When a crisis hits, it is overwhelming to face it alone. But if we have cultivated supportive friendships, we will find strength in the comfort and encouragement of those who care about us. Interdependence is also a safeguard for us when we are lured by temptation. The consistent testimony of those who have fallen to temptation is that they isolated themselves from other believers and were not held accountable by Christian friends.
If you are not a part of a caring community of believers, you are missing out on what God designed you for. You are also in danger of falling into sin. You must link your life with others who are seeking God's will. Seek to be a person who willingly joins others in carrying out God's assignments. Strive to be the source of support and encouragement that those around you need."
So, with this cautionary tale in mind, find another believer you can trust...trust to be hard on you when necessary, and stay strong in the faith, together.
It is only by the grace of God and the accountability to other believers and my God we are able to stand. May God help us all.
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