Deceiver, Slanderer II
‘Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan. For every one of them is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer. Jeremiah 9:4
Let's have another bite at this one!
Err on the side of caution!
Exercise 'considered' discernment before placing your trust in anyone in this fallen world. In the context of Jeremiahs message, (see part 1)
he doesn't miss and hit the wall in this warning concerning the difficulty of maintaining genuine relationships in a sinful world filled with deceit and betrayal!
Human Fallibility and Deception:
Jeremiah warns us that even those closest to us, friends, family, and trusted associates, are all to often deceitful! So, he calls us to be discerning and wise, we need to recognise that there are wolves in sheeps clothing out there and not everyone who appears trustworthy truly is!
Wisdom and Discernment:
Jeremiah’s warning encourages all believers to rely on wisdom and discernment rather than blind trust! This doesn't mean we should be suspicious of everyone, or believe every word we hear, but it does mean that we should seek God’s guidance in our relationships!
Living in a Broken World:, Jeremiah warns us to approach relationships with humility and caution, understanding that betrayal and slander can strike at any moment!
God our Anchor:
While the verse warns of deceit, it also points us to the importance of trusting in God alone. All too often Human relationships go wrong as people we trust let us down. Relationships are fragile and fickle things that get destroyed along with lives as deceivers place their interests before others as they serve their own agendas. So, we need to keep our trust firmly in God because He remains steadfast and unshakeable. The words of the hymns remind us that he is our anchor,
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love
To close this up,
In our lives, we find encouragement in Jeremiahs words to cultivate authenticity and integrity in ourselves, whilst at the same time remaining cautious about whom we trust fully! We should also pray for wisdom in our relationships and to seek God's protection from deception and slanderers!
Shine your Christ light bright, and God bless,
Trev. 😄