KEEP YOUR BUSINESS TO YOURSELF

05/30/2023

"Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Corinthians 2:10-11)

Today's theme scripture is very instructive about interpersonal relationships and how Satan can use interpersonal relationships as a tool for prosecuting his agenda. The latter part of 2 Corinthians 2:11 says two things that are not necessarily explicit. First, the enemy uses interpersonal relationships to take advantage. The understanding here is very military. Satan gains an advantage when we fail to appropriate what we should to our relationships with others. 

This is why it is important to appropriate love, forgiveness, and kindness to the people in our circle, irrespective of their creed or closeness to us. Ephesians 4:32 says, "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Notice, the Bible shows us three unique superpowers in our interpersonal dealings: kindness, tender-heartedness (or passion), and forgiveness, without which the enemy will gain the advantage in any group of people, including the church. 

The not-so-apparent way in which the enemy gains the advantage is through your words, spoken out of turn. What do I mean? I am speaking about the motive in your heart when you tell your business to others, which is often about self-promotion and not God-promotion. 

The general rule of thumb here is to avoid talking about your business to everyone except the Lord permits you to do so for His glory. Not everyone that claims to be friends with you is true. And even when they are true friends, it is not every time that you converse with them that the enemy is not also listening. His typical agenda is to stoke the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and or the pride of life while you are in conversation with others such that instead of sharing a testimony that gives glory to God, you begin to talk about your plans, near-accomplishments or accomplishments as if you are doing it by your own power and then, He can wreak havoc. 

Understand that in the realm of the spirit, words, and hierarchy are everything, and the moment you abdicate God-consciousness in conversation with others, you open up yourself to give the enemy an advantage. This is why even when you have conversations with others, be God-tempered. Let Him control what you say or don't. Colossians 3:17 is a portion of scripture I would like you to ponder upon today. It says, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

God bless you.

Faith-Filled Confession

I am God-tempered every time I have a conversation with others. I say what God wants me to say and refrain from saying the things for which I have no approval. I am the Lord's mouthpiece. I promote God and not self. Therefore, I do not give the enemy any advantage by my conduct in word or deed. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

One-Year Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 26-27; John 11:18-46