Serving two masters - I was deceived…

I used to be someone who would say “seeing is believing”.  I also innocently leaned towards a new-age mindset, believing that the power of the mind could manifest some of what we desire.  As I drifted away from Jesus, I ignored the Word of God. None of these beliefs I dabbled with were Biblical. 

What was it that deceived me? It sounded convincing. It appeared effective. It drew me in. It seemed innocent. Even sick people were healed by it and the outcome of some of these practices were great. So, it had to be good, and all good things are from God, right? Not necessarily.

In fact, Jesus warns us that there will be deception in our days, especially at the end of the age, which is the time we live in.

“See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.  For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:4, 5, 11, 24).

But, despite the overwhelming view of the world, there is but one unwavering Truth, Jesus:

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14: 6.

I remember saying one day, “he has shown me what faith really is,” when I was talking about a new-age teacher whose practices seemed helpful, effective, and sound. If this statement made your hair stand on end, it's because it contradicts the core beliefs of someone who professes Jesus as her Saviour. I was serving two masters, unintentionally. The most frightening part of my life was that I saw nothing wrong with it. I too used to say, “no, I’m not doing anything harmful; it’s not new-age.” I used to be that person! Even though I didn’t fully understand what it's impact was on me, nor was I deliberately seeking this path, it happened because Jesus wasn’t my only way, truth and life!

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 2 Tim 4: 3 - 4

You see the enemy, yes Satan, wants to keep us away from the Word of God, so he tells us lies, he tells us the Bible isn't current and that it's a book with some good and useful principles and that something written thousands of years ago, is not relevant to us today. I even started telling myself the Bible was a difficult book to read. Blinded to its truth, I avoided it altogether.

God called my name many times while I drifted away, but I ignored Him. I was strong, independent, and self-sufficient, taking care of myself and my business. What’s wrong with that, you might ask. In today’s society, many women wear these labels, and it's seen as a virtue. I started to conform to the world, allowing more and more things into my life that created a divide between myself and God. I participated in activities that offended God and there were many times when I was more concerned about offending people than offending God.

I also said things like, "I’m doing it for my own benefit; I’m avoiding the spiritual elements of these practices," as I resisted examining my heart in the presence of God.

Satan doesn’t care about our good intentions; he just wants us to open the door for him so he can fill that space with something that will keep us away from God, with something that deceives us...

Humanism is one of the great deceivers of our time, teaching us that we are the centre of the universe, masters of our destinies, and the solution to our own problems. In essence, it leads us to believe that we might be greater than God, the Creator of the universe and everything in it.

The Bible tells us to be careful of deceitful philosophies and principles, but do we really take the Word of God seriously, or do we sometimes think we know better than God, as I did before?

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Col 2: 8 (NKJV)

With humility and deep gratitude to God, I can now share these words with you, having been set free from the grip of these beliefs and practices.

God's Word is true! It is written for today! You can believe every word. Knowing this I want more time with Him, I want to know the depths of His love, I want to do His will. He is indeed my Heavenly Father. But don't take my word for it - discover the truth for yourself, in the Bible.

If you think you can serve two masters, as I did, you may also be deceived. If, while you were reading my words, you found yourself saying, but I'm not doing what Leonie used to do, I'm safe, I'm ok, I'm being careful, there's no real danger - search your heart in the presence of God, and find the answer in His Word.

God's grace is enough for you too! He will show mercy to everyone who is saved through faith in Jesus.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

My prayer is that God will move your heart as you read these words. This could be one of those moments when God is calling your name - please, don't turn away. Respond to His call today.

Don't rely on my words, open up that amazing book, written over thousands of years, for this very day and find the truth yourself.

Open my eyes Lord, Steffany Gretzinger - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXyfNG6WoqE