Psalm 10:6 English Standard Version (ESV) He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved; throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.”

Have we ever been so sure of ourselves that we are dismissive of every other opinion? The issues of the anti-Christ is opposition to Christ. If we are in Christ opposition is not only expected it is welcomed. It is welcomed because opposition to truth tells us with all confidence that we are in Christ.

If we are firm in faith, what is the difference between these differing opinions? We are not to be automatically dismissive. Love cannot be shown with a dismissive attitude.

Ephesians 4:14-16 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁴ so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ¹⁵ Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Hidden within this truth are some vital words which will help us not to be dismissive. They appear in verse 16, “it is equipped”. Growing up in Christ is not instant. We cannot speak the truth if we think we know it all. When we get “out of place” we need to be put in our place. Correction is inevitable for all Christians.

Have we ever used the words “But I just wanted to help!” This happens when we have the desire to serve but have neglected our training. Are we in training or do we know it all?

1 Corinthians 2:2 English Standard Version (ESV) For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 English Standard Version (ESV)

³ But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. ⁴ For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.

Paul is speaking to born again Christians who have received the word of truth. How is it that in such a short time they become complacent about the dangers presented in their midst? While I do not have experience with their conditions I can however identify with the root cause of the complacency.

The human mind is flesh and subject to decay. I am not speaking about a physical ailment, which can happen, but a mind that has not prepared itself for the long tedious battle with our enemy Satan. We are constantly being bombarded with lies, accusations, temptations, usury, and faltering relationships. These times are polluted with news broadcast, media blitz, and entertainment that would not be allowed sixty-five years ago. The decay did not happen overnight, it crept up on us one thought at a time.

Now we have to go on media fasts to save our sanity. Where is a person to go to be a well-informed constituent? Social media is full of every diverse opinion in the world. Sorting it out is impossible for any individual. It is a wear and tare on our nerves.

How are we ever going to make it through these troubled times?

John 14:27 English Standard Version (ESV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Abide in Christ. It is a daily exercise in faith that will protect our minds from the onslaught of this world. Start every day in prayer and reading His word. Affix your mind on Christ. With repetition comes ease of operation.