Slanderers (Divisive Ones)

254 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 3:1-3, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, 2 Tim 3:1-3) Next on the list of strength sapping influences and behaviors is that of slander. The word in the Greek is “diabolos,” which is another name for the devil. The word means to cast asunder. Diabolos is his name and division is his game. His whole intent is to seek to separate you and I from the love of God! He does this with false accusations against you and even against God! (Did God really say?”) He not only seeks to separate you and I from the love of God, but also works overtime in trying to separate man from wife because he hates marriage, (the institution that God loves!) He seeks to separate the love of children from their parents, because he hates families, and of course he will do all he can to stir up strife between brothers and sisters in a congregation because he hates the church! When we get involved in divisive behaviors and actions we are unwittingly serving as his dupe to carry out his mission of casting asunder what God has joined together! These divisive, strength sapping attitudes and behaviors have been with the church from the get go and will continue until our Lord returns. At the first hint of a split, or a wedge being driven into a congregation, a family, a marriage, or our relationship with God, stop! Stop and say, “O devil, I know what you and are up to and I'm not falling for it. Resist the devil and his slanderous tactics! Don't be his mouthpiece! Keep standing on the Word of God and he will flee from you! Get on your knees and fight for your own relationship with God! Fight for unity in your church! Fight for oneness in your marriage! Fight for unity in your family. These are all God-ordained communities in which HE desires unity! God hates disunity and so should we! He speaks of this “slander” as one of 7 things that He hates! Pr 6:19 speaking of what God hates says,” a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community!” There will be slanderous, divisive times in the church, seek to make sure you are not the instigator!