Sin's Decietfulness

As believers we must be on guard against sins deceitfulness. We must be on guard against the pull it has on us. Sometimes it draws us down it's path and we are not even aware of the hold that it has on. Sometimes we know that we are going down the wrong path, but struggle against the downward spiral it has us on. As some would say, sin is a slippery slope. Yet, the Bible gives us many solutions to this problem. One of then we find in Hebrews 3:12-14.

" See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. ¹³ But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. ¹⁴ We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end."

We have the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us, but we need others to help us not fall on the slippery slope. We need other to help hold us up or help us back up when we stumble. Paul, says encourage one another daily. I used to think this meant encourage someone when they are down in the mouth or depressed. In other word lift up each others spirit. Yet, this is not what it is talking about.

He is talking about encouraging one another to do good. He is talking about exhorting those who are on the slippery slope. He is talking about strengthening those who are weak in their faith and are experiencing a moment of weakness. He is talking about showing others how they have been deceived by sins deceitfulness. It is a true saying that we are our brother keeper.

Yet, those who encourage others to do good, counsel them, warn them, and encourage them to do what is right are often rejected by the very ones they are trying to help. This is because of their blindness and/or pride they have in their heart.  We must not be offended by them but continue to encourage them in love. When we are on the other end of things, we need to remain humble and be open minded.

God help us to encourage one another and receive the encouragement others give us.