"Games"

Sometimes those who cannot see,

Are blinded by what used to be,

And habits loved traditionally,

Can quench the Spirit’s power.

When how we do it rules the day,

Not what the Spirit has to say,

God help us find a better way,

And start this very hour.

Jesus said the Father seeks,

Those who learn their focus keeps,

Planting for what always reaps,

The Spirit’s harvest true.

The humble heart alone sees grace,

The pure in heart will see His face,

And when assigned will stay in place,

It’s what we always knew.

Don’t let the form God’s power deny,

Let Christ be Lord of all our try,

To lift up and to glorify,

His name above all names.

And then the Lord will demonstrate,

His living presence as we wait,

Enthroned on praises, celebrate,

No more religious games.

“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:5, NLT)

After warning Timothy about the perils of the last days Paul specifically has something to say about people who have a form of godliness that denies God’s power. These are people who are enamored by religiosity but are not genuinely committed to Jesus. They will invariably quench the Spirit when others are being touched and transformed. What does Paul tell Timothy to do about them? He says: “Stay away from people like that!” We love them, but from a distance. Why? Because they are obstructors of God’s will and use any influence they have to control and manipulate others. The spirits who control them are not benign. Beware and keep your distance, in Jesus’ name.

Lord, help us use true discernment with unsafe people, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.