James 1; Romans 14
Romans 14:12-15:6 talks about what one person does (or doesn’t do) to honor the Lord vs. what another person does or doesn’t do. We shouldn’t judge the actions of another because we are “more spiritually mature” than they are.
[It would be interesting to continue down this thought and compare it to “let the little children come unto me” – something I may do in the near future.]
We are to live our lives in a way that doesn’t make another stumble. Being aware of how our actions could affect another person’s walk is the marching order given. The deception comes when we are concerned about what another person thinks.
Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
James 1:7-8 (NLT) references those people who ask God, but their faith isn’t completely in God alone. The deception referenced in v7-8 is that of expectations. The expectation that God is a genie and will give me what I ask, period; that I can control God – to some degree. Verse 8 says “Their loyalty is divided between God and the world…” and goes on to describe their instability in EVERYTHING THEY DO.
I am becoming a firm believer in uncovering any deception I may believe… asking Father to reveal anything that I believe that is not in line with His Word and His Truth.