Peter exhorts the saints of God to have the words of prophets of old
and the whole tenor of the commandment, that is, the doctrine of Christ present
in their minds. Why is this so important that it merits the apostle’s pressing
encouragements to hold such things in memory? Peter was warning of the increase
of false prophets and the subtle way by which they would find their way into
the church and among the believers. One of the sure safeguards against false
teaching, is to have present in mind the true counsel of God, His Word and
commandment. This allows the believer to perform a comparison between the truth
he knows and the doctrine he may hear. Without such plumbline or standard to
compare against, the Christian, though sincere, may easily become prey to those
who intend to do damage to the cause of Christ, or do so by pandering their
fleshly ideas and practices. Being mindful of the truth of God is therefore a
safety against such individuals, but also helps us to line up with God’s
principles, any thoughts, words and actions we are about to initiate or
participate in. Keeping ourselves pure and aligned with the Lord is a primary
necessity of our Christian walk. We can easily test our readiness of mind and
heart, in any one situation we often land in, by asking ourselves questions
like: “What does God say about this?” “How should I feel, think or act in this
situation?” If answers to these questions and others like them, are not present
in our minds, then how ‘mindful’ are we of the directives and commands of God?
We need to keep our heads in the Book, and the Book in our hearts! We cannot become
and remain mindful of the Lord’s principles and teachings, if we have not taken
time to read, study and digest His word and appropriate the concepts for
ourselves. The Lord has provided us, with all we need to survive the attacks of
the devil and his agents, and conqueror all error and falsehood, by the truth
of His word! How many have fallen to false doctrine, influences of ungodly,
fleshly professors of the faith, or their own doings and mistakes, simply
because they did not heed, this simple yet profound directive – be mindful!
http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion
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