Buyer Beware
Buyer Beware
God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good (Numbers 23:19 NKJV)?
I once went to pick up a few items from a store I don’t visit very often. After I selected what I needed, I noticed they were also by the checkout with a special advertising a free tote bag with purchase. Since I needed three of the items to get the tote bag, and I have a penchant for all things “bag”, I selected a third item from the advertising display. At checkout I was pointedly informed my third item did not qualify me for the free bag. This upset me; I informed the cashier the item was selected from the display case containing multiple bottles of said item. She maintained her stance the item did not qualify and I could choose any of the other items, just not that one, even though it was with the display. I was disappointed to say the least, because this was false advertising. I decided to not pick another third item and left the store with my original items and no tote bag.
As I thought about what had just happened, I felt the tug of the Lord beginning to show me why it had happened. Satan is a master at deception, diversion and bait and switch. He is a false advertiser. Sinful temptations entice us with the allure and promise of complete satisfaction and lasting results. We are bombarded with things we simply “must have” to live our lives to the fullest with little to no repercussions, and we are told it is okay to do whatever we want whenever we want just because. As I contemplated what would have happened if I had pressed the issue and demanded to be given the tote bag, I realized what I would have gotten out of it were items I simply did not need. The tote bag was simply a ploy to spend more money on things not necessary and with no lasting investment. I was reminded how I could simply make myself a new tote bag if the need arose.
Church, we must be watchful and aware of what is going on around us as well as coming at us from all forms of media. False advertising not only leads us to go after something we are fooled into thinking we need, but Satan’s version also includes elements of unworthiness and disqualification. Just as my advertised item did not qualify me for the tote bag, Satan often bombards the minds of believers with thoughts of not being worthy of the promises. Drawing closer to God and resting in His arms ensures strength for our walk, discernment when needed and peace for our souls. Walking in the Spirit gives us eyes to see beyond what is in our face enabling us to recognize the false advertisement of Satan. We must pray for our Brothers and Sisters, especially when we see them leaning towards the allure of something free and falling into unhealthy mindsets. God has sufficient grace enabling us to soldier on.
Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the great Love You have for us. Thank You for the blessing of Your peace, Your strength and Your wisdom. Thank You for eyes that see and ears that hear, we cannot do this life on our own and we can only do it by resting in You. Father, may we have discernment to know when we are being misled and strength to turn away from it, may we have compassion on our Brothers and Sisters who have given in and the words of Love to encourage them to walk away. Father, we love You and give You all praise! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Additional Scriptures:
Matthew 10:16; Proverbs 2
Shalom 🙂
Have you ever been around a person who is truly happy? I mean really, really happy? With twinkling eyes, a quick smile, patient attitudes, peaceful and joyful? People that never seem to have a bad day. I’m not talking about people who act happy, yet their eyes do not smile when they do; I’m talking about happy, joyful people. People, who, no matter what their circumstances are, they remain full of joy. They are the saints who have tapped into the fullness of joy in the Lord’s presence. They have grabbed hold of Him and have not let go. They don’t play the “woe is me” game and they are quick to ensure that others needs are met before their own. They are seasoned servants in the Lord and much is to be gained from their wisdom and insight. It’s always a pleasure to be around these people because the joy they carry in their hearts is infectious!!