When we walk in the shadow of darkness, we know right but choose to do wrong. We are sojourners who know the Word of God and are familiar with how deeds driven by the flesh can lead to ungodliness. People walking this leg of the journey are witnesses to the fact that “People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds” (Galatians 5:19, CEV). Do you know that if you set your mind on the flesh, this is how you will live most or all your life?
We understand that desires can go from one extreme to the other, which is why we want to expose those desires and offer ways to bring them into submission. We concentrate on the acts of the flesh, which God’s Word says is evident to most people: acts such as idolatry, sorcery, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, envy, and drunkenness. On this journey, we feel that it is our mission to forewarn people about the dangers of being caught up in acts of the flesh. In our efforts to find the Way and the Truth, we remember the first time receiving the same warning. At that time, the warning was inconvenient, and we paid it no attention. It came at a time when we were unwilling to change. We want everyone to know that the spirits of darkness are counting on our lack of knowledge and attention to detail concerning what God wants from His children. Remember Paul telling us about the war between the flesh and the Spirit.
Sometimes the flesh controls the spirit, as with the curiosity of Lot’s wife when she did the unthinkable and “looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:26, NKJV). Whatever the reason for looking back, there are consequences, and sometimes we risk not only returning to a bad situation but making it worse. On this journey, we strive to pay attention to warnings like the one Moses gave Dathan and Abiram. “And he spoke unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins” (Numbers 16:26, KJ2000B).
Sometimes we are caught in what others are doing and lose our perspective on right and wrong. As we move into a new phase of life, we must hold fast to the faith we profess and live accordingly. “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments” (Deuteronomy 7:9, NIV). The path that leads to the Way and the Truth is never physically blocked. We can come and by the same rule, we can go as we please. The Lord does not hold anyone hostage or force anyone to follow His way.
Many people leave the path. Some find their way back: Abraham, David, Moses, Solomon, Paul, Peter, and many others. For as long as we draw breath, we will always have an opportunity to get back on the right path and find the way into the kingdom of God. However, since no one knows when He is coming back, be warned about putting off your decision to walk out of the shadow of darkness and serve the Lord in spirit and truth. The time is now to decide whether to serve the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul.
Beware of individuals whose minds are set on the evil and on encouraging licentious behavior. We encourage you not to allow those who enjoy living in the shadows of darkness to worm their way into your life and divert you from making the right decision to follow the Way and the Truth. As we continue this journey, the first thing we must do is add to our faith.
We have it on very competent authority that when faith grows, our knowledge of the Word will also increase. We implore you to work with us and “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16, NKJV). When you commit to walking with us on this journey, you cannot continue to make up your own stories, as they do on Facebook and Twitter.
Understand the rules and that sometimes for the sake of freedom, we fight to uphold a person’s right to choose. God does not hold a gun to anyone’s head, and neither should we. God allows everyone to make up their mind. As we move along on this journey, we must trust the One “who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4, HCSB). King Solomon put it in writing that men who practice deceit will not live out half their days. Be warned, for the Word of God says: “Don't die before your time by being too evil or acting like a fool” (Ecclesiastes 7:17, CEV).
We sometimes become content with the status quo, even when the status quo is ripe with foolishness, which can include taking pleasure in walking in the shadow of darkness. As we travel this road to glory, we make a choice not to fill our minds with corruptible things. We choose by using the answer set before us: “You must love the Lord, your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind” (Mark 12:30, CSB).
Do not allow your heart to grow callous. It is not profitable to get so comfortable in this life that for the recognition you rejoice in being the principal organizer of deceit. At some point, you must choose to follow the Father unless “Your father is the devil, and you do exactly what he wants” (John 8:44, CEV).
If your father is not the devil, stop demonizing the ways of the Lord. Do not run the risk of setting a trap for yourself and sabotaging your journey. Continue to tell yourself that “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:18, NIV). Open your eyes, and do not allow the law of sin to hold your soul captive. Pay attention to instructions and avoid making decisions that lead to extremes. “Let the conclusion of all of these thoughts be heard: Fear God and obey his commandments, for this is what it means to be human” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, ISV) and walk out of the shadow of darkness into the light.
