Spiritual Survival

But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

I’ve been thinking of the next reality series I would like to see on TV. It would not need any of the exotic locations they seem to travel to. We could participate in it from our homes, workplaces and churches. It would not need any special situations that were created to cause conflict. It would showcase real life just as it really is. It is the ultimate reality. It would be called “Spiritual Survivor”. Like others in the “Survivor” series on TV, people who survive would focus on survival strategies and how to follow them.
In our spiritual journey, our goal is community with God. The end times are the most trying of times for our spiritual lives. We will find ourselves listening to teachings that will distract us from pursuing that goal. We find ourselves in a world of hurt just trying to survive with our faith intact. Are you one of those who has been deceived into believing that following Christ is an easy journey and disheartened to discover the reality? Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, giving some pointers about being a spiritual survivor. They still apply to us today.

I. TAKE A GOOD LOOK BEFORE YOU TOUCH. Examine the evidence of spiritual truth as it is presented to you. Treat it like a “CSI” (Crime Scene Investigator) would treat a crime scene. They wear gloves for a reason. Some things can contaminate, are highly contagious, and are very deadly. Not all spiritual doctrine is fit for human consumption.
II. GET A FIRM GRIP ON GOODNESS. A close examination will reveal what is good. We must make a choice between good and evil. There is a difference. Hold onto that which will give life. Goodness gives life because it is of God. We can only know good when we know God. Sometimes who you know can save your life. Knowing God and being intimately acquainted with His character is critical for spiritual survival.
III. DISCERN AND DEPART FROM EVIL. Evil can be very deceptive and always deadly. Discerning it requires knowledge of how and where evil may be manifested. It requires frequent tests of our environment like the testing for mold spores. When mold spores are present, extreme removal from its influence and renovation must occur. We must not stay in an evil environment, hoping it will get better. We cannot negotiate with it or change its nature. We must abstain, not participate in it.
Are you a spiritual survivor? These days are the most crucial days in human history.

SPIRITUAL SURVIVAL DEPENDS ON A GOOD GODLY STRATEGY.