Stay away from them

Stay away from them

"When these people join you in fellowship meals celebrating the love of the Lord, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are shameless in the way they care only about themselves. They are like clouds blowing over dry land without giving rain, promising much but producing nothing. They are like trees without fruit at harvesttime. They are not only dead but doubly dead, for they have been pulled out by the roots. (Jude.1.12 NLT)

The Apostle Jude describes certain men whom he referred to as "these people". He says when they join in our fellowship celebrating the love of the Lord, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck us. 

Really? 

Shipwreck us? 

Then we must take note of "these people". People that can cause you damage, you should note them. To note who "these people" are, he describes them or the traits that will help us identify them. 

He says they care more about themselves. They are selfish. If we are celebrating God's love, then it must be about others and not just about self. 

He says "they over promise and under-deliver. In fact, they promise much and deliver nothing. He says they do not bear fruit - in other words, their lives do not tally with the ways of the Lord. They do not show "fruit unto repentance" 

"Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." (Luke.3.8) 

And finally, he says they are doubly dead for they have no root. They do not bear fruit because they do not abide in the vine. And if they do not abide in Christ, then they are dead indeed. Paul's says we should be aware of these people. 

"And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people's faith by teaching things that are contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. (Rom.16.17 NLT)

Good day,
Have a great day today, 
Emmanuel Okoro 
(aka Mr. Lift)

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