October 24, 2007
As I was driving down the street I have noticed several signs up for political candidate positions.That means that all local government positions will be having elections soon and a lot of positions will be up for grabs ie: mayors, school boards, councilors and more.
It also means that someone will be posting a sign that says, "Vote for me." Now, I feel blessed to live in a democracy but I could do without all the hype that accompanies it. I could really do without all the aesthetic pollution the signs create.
I’m reminded of a line in an old song, "Signs, signs, everywhere a sign, blocking out the scenery, breaking my mind. Do this, do that, can’t you read the sign?"
Sometimes Christians can get caught up in the hype of signs. Not so much the physical sign by the roadside, but the desire to see more signs and wonders performed by preachers and teachers in the Lord’s name.
Mark 16:17-- says we should have signs and wonders following those that believe and list the signs Jesus said should follow us. When these signs follow us God receives the glory and we get to be used by the Lord in a way that helps people. My caution is in signs and wonders that are questionable in their purpose and intent.
There are truly miraculous signs and wonders that the Lord performs every day. We need to be vigilant though, that the signs are of God.
For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
2 Thessalonians 2:7-10 NIV
We need always be careful that what we are seeing and hearing is based on the truth of God's word and is based in the reality of Jesus Christ and what He has done through the ultimate sign and wonder, His resurrection.
Be open to the miraculous, but be discerning. Trust in the power of the risen Lord, not just the next miracle or sign on the horizon.
Until next time,
May you have faith that sustains you, with or without the evidence of signs and wonders.
May you truly have the signs that are biblically based.
May you seek the giver and not the gift.
May you truly know the spirit of truth from the spirit of error!
Darrel Mason