Deut 13:1 - 3

"If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, "Let us go after other gods" "which you have not known" "and let us serve them," you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul." Deut 13:1 - 3

So you think that beautiful woman or man is a godsend. That person is perfect in every way. You know that this person was meant just for you. Yes, indeed, God sent her just for you. That may be so, but the reasons might be a bit confusing. So what if you are already married? This person is perfect, the way your spouse used to be...

CUT!

I always wanted to be a movie director and this little scene would make a great little clip from a powerful flick. Too many of us have been in this person's shoes. We have thought that a certain event, item, person, or situation was just so perfect that it had to be sent from God. However, if we look closely at today's verse, we might just come away with a different idea.

The perfect preacher has just come on the scene. His words are eloquent. His message is from the Bible. His life is stellar. His board of directors is composed of names that you recognize and trust. You follow him without question... at least after a period of testing. There is no doubt that he preaches the truth. Then, WHAM!

After he has you under his spell, he proposes that there are multiple ways to God's perfection. He introduces "meditation" into the services telling you that it is a way to get in touch with the Father. A while later, he introduces some suggestive dancing explaining that the movement of the dancers is a demonstration of God's grace and beauty. A few Sundays later the Communion Table has been replaced with smaller "altar" that is used to celebrate the sacrifice to the divine. So far you have followed the logic and it seems to be fine. You have abandoned reading the Word of God yourself because the preacher is doing a much better job... and he does it so deeply. You never dreamed that all of this is in the Bible.

Finally, the preacher places a "Buddha" on the altar and tells you that this is a better way to God.

Do you swallow his progression without question? Answer honestly using the logic of our dear actor and deceived friend. Without a doubt the answer is "yes." Why not? The man's logic is so well presented... including Book, Chapter, and verse. Was the "man" sent from God? He certainly led this believer away from the truth. But WAS HE SENT BY GOD? "... for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul."

Not all that is bright and shiny and perfect looking is good. Not all that is bright and shiny and perfect is from the devil. That bright and shiny and perfect thing just might be a "plant", a decoy to test your love. Is your love wrapped up in God...or your own desires? Who is on the throne of your life?

The next time the attractive, the beautiful, the perfect fit comes your way, watch carefully what is being said. He, she, they, it just might be a temptation. "So," you ask, "how do I know the difference?" Search the word. Bury it in your heart. Know the truth. Not only will the truth "set you free," it will keep you free! The truth will reveal the works of darkness. The truth will open your mind to all the good things God has for you. The truth will allow you to know a fake... in a heartbeat. When the perfect appears... and it is not Jesus descending from Heaven, keep your eyes open and you mind tuned to God's Word. Resist temptation and it will flee from you! Amen and Amen.