Carried Away

(hooked to ideologies)

In the past it happened and still is, I mean the false ideologies (or heresies) that brought chaos or tragedy in its wake. People may get carried away, even supposedly church people. Many too lost their vocation; and many lives got lost. Why? What went wrong? Just as the finality of man is either heaven or hell, so in these questions now simply we must distinguish what is right or wrong. Truth or falsehood. Perhaps what better enlightening than going back to God's word that wants us to love, reconcile and forgive, instead of judging and being angry with one another.

"Bless those who persecute you: never curse them, bless them. Rejoice with those who rejoice and be sad with those in sorrow. Treat everyone with equal kindness; never be condescending but make real friends with the poor. Do not allow yourself to become self-satisfied. Never repay evil with evil but let everyone see that you are interested only in the highest ideals. Do all you can to live at peace with everyone. Never try to get revenge; leave that, my friends, to God's anger. As scripture says: Vengeance is mine -- I will pay back, the Lord promises. But there is more: If your enemy is hungry, you should give him food, and if he is thirsty, let him drink. Thus you heap red-hot coals on his head. Resist evil and conquer it with good" (Rom. 12:14-21).

"The devil is a murderer and the father of lies" (Jn. 8:44). You know the false prophets or the wolves in sheep's clothing by their fruit. "I repeat, you will be able to tell them by their fruits" (Mt. 7:20). Which fruits? >anger, revenge, clenched fists, violence, and murder. False ideologies are false teachings that come from the devil. Check world history, and the victims of needless conflicts. "What the Spirit brings is very different: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Gal. 5:22).