The Lodestar

Christ-followers must stay focused to survive in a world of distractions caused by false teaching. False teaching dilutes the moral and spiritual content of scripture. Jude’s brief letter warns us about and advises us to guard against false teachers who have crept into Christian communities.

“For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4).

Jude describes the situation in the church around A.D. 60—65. Things have only gotten worse as the church grew in numbers, and we are witnessing one of the worst eras of deterioration of the true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Still, it is not yet time to give up or surrender to the false teachings that take us away from the Lord, but, on the contrary, it is an opportunity to confront the falsehood with the truth of God.

Jude advises us to stay focused on the work of God that he has initiated in us. He counsels Christ-followers to build themselves in the true faith. The very idea of building up implies incremental growth. Building challenges stagnancy and demands thriving.

Thriving has three essential aspects. The first is praying in the Holy Spirit, the second is remaining in God’s love, and the third is living in anticipation of the Lord's second coming.

Praying in the Spirit is a step ahead of praying for things we know and need. It happens when the Holy Spirit takes control of our prayer and directs us to pray for things that the Lord wants us to pray for. Sometimes, while praying in the Holy Spirit, we become aware of our lives that have been hidden from ourselves. On such occasions, we may even realise things we ignored or compromised. The knowledge of God guides our prayers.

Keeping in the love of God means living constantly and being aware of God’s love for us. We are his children because he first loved us. This awareness is the foundation for worship. Moreover, keeping ourselves in the love of God reminds us of our responsibility to love God even more. This two-way enrichment in love (God’s love for us and our love for God) is essential to taking our eyes away from false teachers.

Finally, staying focused in a distracting world means keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord’s return, according to His promise. This hope is the anchor of our faith and gives stability when tossed in the troubled sea. As we eagerly anticipate our Lord’s coming, “the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.”

The present scenario is not encouraging, but we must grow in faith rather than withering from erroneous teaching. Staying focused on prayer, love, and hope are the key ingredients for growth.

Take a moment now to pray with intentionality, reflect on God’s love for you, and renew your hope in his coming kingdom. Share this message with a friend who needs encouragement to stay focused, and consider joining a community or small group that supports your spiritual growth. Let’s thrive together, anchored in faith and truth.

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