In a world full of opinions all claiming to be the “truth,” we need for life, having someone who has told us the real, the best, the absolute truth for life . . . well, that is information we should apply.
The crowds of people gathering to hear Jesus had grown into the thousands and in Luke 12, Luke recorded five warnings, 5 times He told His followers to “beware” . . . 5 things He told His followers to avoid and 1 thing that would show them the way to success.
5 Things Jesus Warned People About
1. Beware of Hypocrisy
He turned now to his disciples and warned them, “More than anything else, beware of these Pharisees and the way they pretend to be good when they aren’t. But such hypocrisy cannot be hidden forever.”
Luke 12:1b (TLB)
Hypocrisy is…
- Claiming to know the truth without living by it.
- Living a selfish self-serving life.
- Outward conformity without inner conviction.
- Pretending to believe something you don’t.
2. Beware of Greed
Then [Jesus] said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Luke 12:15
The world is constantly telling us more is better and most is best. But greed leads to coveting and both ruin relationships. We simply can’t love like Jesus and be greedy.
3. Beware of Worry
Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life.”
Luke 12:22, 25
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
Oooh, I’ve wasted way too much time worrying. Worry is lack of trust and it has robbed me of peace, contentment, joy, and several other things the Lord wants for His children.
The truth – fully trusting God is so much better!
4. Beware of Being Unprepared
“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
Luke 12:40
You are I are called to live out our beliefs, reflect Jesus’ love, and live with hope for the eternal future we have been promised.
5. Beware of the World’s Lies
“You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times. Why can’t you decide for yourselves what is right?”
luke 12:56–57
God has given us the truth in His Word. He gives us the Holy Spirit that we might discern the truth amid the world’s lies and propaganda. We need to turn to His Word and constant prayer to know that if a message doesn’t align with God’s Word . . . it is not truth!
1 Way to Success for a Follower of Jesus
♥ Be a SEEKer
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.”
Luke 12:31
I love the Life Application Notes for this verse:
Seeking the Kingdom of God above all else means making Jesus the Lord and King of your life. It gives Him control of every area—your work, play, plans, and relationships.
And when you and I give Him control – He will give us everything we need to trust Him, follow His will, and enjoy His peace that we might live a life of contentment.
Praying for the Way to Success
Lord Jesus, thank you for warning us about the things that will ultimately harm us. Thank you for teaching us the truth and helping us know what we need to live with peace, joy, contentment, and so much more.
Lord, Your grace, mercy, and love have changed my life. With the help of Your Spirit, I will SEEK You and Your Kingdom above everything else. I give You control of my life and I trust You will give me everything I need to live each day for Your glory. I thank and praise You and worship Your holy name! Amen.
On today’s note write:
SEEK God first and give God control.
God bless you and give you everything you need to SEEK Him and KNOW the way to a success that lasts forever.
Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.
Take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 7500 of us as we read the New Testament together. We will share short posts every Monday through Friday that you can read each day or save for the weekend. Let’s study God’s Word together!
You can also…
Leave your prayer requests…
and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.
I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!
No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!
Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!
And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.
If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…
I’m asking God to bless you today!