Bishop Keith Butler
Jan 8
Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. (2 Peter 2:13-14)
Peter’s insight about evil in 2 Peter 2:13-14 sounds a lot like today’s world. Evil people prefer to do most of their work in the dark. Mostly when you hear about evil doings, it happens in a dark, shadowy corner where no one can judge or see. However, Peter talked about those who became so bold they no longer did evil works in the dark, but in broad daylight. They are so involved in sin; they don’t care who sees it anymore. This type of wanton disregard for righteousness reflects a seared conscience and a heart that is numb to any prodding of the Holy Spirit.
This scenario gets even darker when we see that these individuals who are walking in darkness have no problem eating with believers, and even spend time at the same holidays together. They are not simply rejecting God’s Word; they are perverting it for whatever their own desires dictate.
In James 1:8, the Apostle James calls these types of people double minded. They are unstable in anything they do because they refuse to follow conviction.
Why does Peter call these people spots and blemishes? He wants us to rid ourselves of them. Just as people will try to get rid of spots or blemishes on their clothing, we should clear out the spots we allow to influence our lives contrary to God’s Word.
Rejection of God’s ways doesn’t happen overnight. It happens when we allow ourselves to be influenced by those who no longer are convicted of righteousness and no longer stand for the truth.
Pay attention to who you allow yourself to hang out with or listen to. You can and should witness to unsaved people, but being a witness does not mean spending all your time with them.