“[H]aving eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children” (2 Peter 2:14)
There are those who may have decent manners in public but are a bundle of corrupt wickedness in private, seeking whom they may entice into doing evil. Pride and arrogance do this to the soul. Jesus came to rescue those who would be rescued, but there are those who will never be rescued. We may not know who are whom, but do not let this lower your guard for the evil are always on the prowl. The devil seeks whom he may devour.
Lord, without being either paranoid or uncompassionate, help me to be aware that there are those who will not seek You. Let me know them by the fruit they bear in order that I may be aware of what others are. Guide me in Your goodness to seek You with all of my heart and not be led astray through the deceit of the wicked one. Guide me, Lord, in Your way of living that I may live according to Your purposes.
Lord Jesus, You paid the price so that all who believe might be redeemed to live a new life of love and service. Guide me in that life so that I am aware of those who, by all appearances, will not live according to Your goodness and mercy. Lead me, O Lord, in the way You know I need to go and help me to not be hindered by the wiles of the wicked one. Grant that I would be stable and firm in my faith. Amen.
