We have been warned!

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I got a call from "Maddie at the State Medical Center" who was calling because I was "having pain in my back and knees . . . right?"

I am not. I just hung up, without engaging her, and naturally, I never give information out.

I suppose this is good practice for not allowing ourselves to be deceived and learning to say "no." Scammers can be really good at drawing people in, but if you are aware of the pitfalls, you can avoid them.

St. Paul must have known something about this, as he gives this warning in his Second Letter to the Thessalonians (Chapter 2):

"We ask you, brothers, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a 'spirit,' or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand."

Be careful that you are not deceived by those whose agenda is contrary to the mission of Christ and the Church. Don't fall for tricky arguments, false rationalizations, or anything that moves you away from God's love, mercy and will.

There are plenty of people who aim to mislead us. Isaiah, too, must have known something about this.

In the Fifth Chapter of Isaiah we are warned to watch out for "those who call evil good, and good evil, who change darkness to light, and light into darkness, who change bitter to sweet, and sweet into bitter!"

While it can be tempting to fall for sweetness, we must discern very carefully when we feel drawn a certain way. Honestly, even faithful Christians--especially those new to the church--can be vulnerable and deceived into thinking that they are growing in holiness, when in actuality, they are adopting unhealthy practices that lead them to rigidity and judgment.

Humility before God is key; pride and egoism can lead even the best Christian down the wrong path.

Pray without ceasing that you may know the will of God.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.com
Be sure to follow my Facebook page, reflectionsinfaith.

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