Using Word Press I am able to determine how many read my blogs each day and which blogs they are reading. By far the blogs on: “That Inner Voice” has received the most response. I have felt led to follow up and expand on hearing that inner voice.

II Corinthians 11: 14 & 15 – “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”

If you have been reading or listening to the news the past few months you have read about a number of people who have done some despicable things who called themselves Christians. Ministers, church lay-leaders and politicians seem to serve a different god than the One we serve. Has Satan infiltrated the church? Should it surprise us? It won’t if we have studied our Bible because this was one of the great problems of the early church.

Fame, power and wealth plus self-gratification seem to be the god that many follow and believe using Christianity will help them obtain their goal. I am inclined to do business with a fellow Christian or vote for a Christian politician. But do we really know whether they are using Christianity for gain or do they really accept Christ as the Son of God?

I hope I am not leaving the impression that behind every rock evil lurks. In the many years I have been a member of Central Christian Church we have rarely had any scandals and God has blessed our body beyond any of our expectations. Yet we must be careful when we talk about that inner voice. In I Corinthians chapter twelve it talks about the gift of distinguishing between spirits. Over the years my wife has been able to spot a potential problem long before I could see it.

I am beginning to question the number of politicians, both Republicans and Democrats who claim to be religious. It seems their ulterior motives do not fit with Scripture, especially those who have supported the death of fifty million un-born babies. How do we keep from being judgmental when we see some of the choices being made? Hopefully, we will not come to the point that just because someone says they are a Christian we accept that they really are. This is where our inner voice, whether it is audible or our spirit-conscience, can help us. Shouldn’t we be praying for the gift of being able to distinguish between spirits?

My message is not that we can’t trust anyone. But don’t be naïve! We must study our Bibles and pray that the Holy Spirit helps us to spot evil spirits. In my lifetime I have never seen as much evil as is evident today. We used to do business with just a person’s word or a hand shake. We have come to the point that we need legal documentation even with brother and sister Christians. Just how much has Satan and his servants infiltrated the church? Don’t be deceived by Bible-quoting Christians masquerading as angels of light and servants of righteousness. I believe if we listen, our inner voice, the Holy Spirit, will help guide us if we are totally committed to Christ. But how often do we make decisions or choices without asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance? God help us during these changing times.