In this passage, the Bible warns us: ” Do not be over-righteous, neither be over-wise—why destroy yourself? Do not be over-wicked, and do not be a fool—why die before your time? It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.” My brother, my sister, all this is a warning against pride! Some people apply legalism and false righteousness in a way that is so subtle that they don’t even realise that they have become deluded by their own religious acts or practices. My friend, when you check yourself honestly, do you find yourself rigid or narrow in your views? Then be very careful because this could make you lose your sensitivity to the true reason for being good or to honour God. Are you good because you are a man-pleaser or are you good because you are trying to do what is right before God? Do you give advise to people because you think you are more knowledgeable than them or is it because you want to earn them to the Lord? The very truth lies within ourselves and no one can see it, except for the one who reads within our hearts. Yet and still, you yourself know it too! True Christians have a balanced approached about doing good or being wise because they do not act by their own means, but they are guided by the Spirit of the living God, therefore they disappear to let the Spirit of God advise people through them. My friend, if you advise somebody in the name of Jesus and it does not produce fruit, then know that it was you without the Spirit of God advising them. Because the Spirit of God cannot be there and remain silent, inactive! Therefore we need to be careful and avoid both extremes of legalism and immorality which are leading us to self-deception! The Bible says “As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him” (1 John 2:26-27). Now, let me ask you a question my friend: if you stand up to advise someone and it creates conflict rather than building up that person, then have you really learnt something from the Spirit of God yourself? In other words, don’t rush to try and teach others when the Lord has not asked you for anything. Misinterpretation of the Word is most of the time what leads us to do such mistakes: “go and make disciples of all nations”! Yes… but are you already a disciple yourself to try and make someone else become a disciple? Let’s clarify today that this sending was made to disciples themselves, not to believers or non committed Christians! Why? Because to make a disciple you are supposed to teach people the ways of the Lord, which means just like any teacher, you first need to go for a teacher-training before you start teaching! Yes, you may thing you are doing something good, while you are just deceiving yourself and may be pride and the desire to show you know are just pushing you to do so. Let’s learn to do what is good, wise and right in accordance with the Lord’s expectation, not according to our own minds or decisions. Stay blessed in the name of Jesus. [facebook] [retweet]