A Pause to Ponder God's Word
"False Salt"

Here in northeastern United States we have a problem with Moose being hit by cars when they wander onto the highways. This problem increases in the winter months. It is curious that the moose wander onto the roads more in the winter. I have head many theories why they do, but recently a forest ranger explained the simple reason, "they come to the road side for the salt." In this area of the country ice on the roads is a very serious hazard. To combat the ice salt or a salt-sand mixture is spread on the roads to melt the ice of the road surface. Moose need salt and are therefore enticed to the road by the salt's scent. Sadly, the salt on the road cannot really help them and going to it places them in grave danger. They are deceived by false salt.

A few months ago the United States was shocked by 39 cult members committing suicide. As the beliefs of this cult were discovered and revealed, something caught my attention. Their beliefs were seasoned with "salt." They had a measure of truth in them. Only a measure was used to disguise their false teachings. This is not uncommon in cults and false religions. They salt their beliefs with some biblical quotes and a measure of truth. They masquerade their lies, pawning them off as truth. People need the truth, but when they seek it anywhere but in Christ and His Word it cannot help them and it places them in eternally grave danger. They are deceived by false salt.

Scriptures warn us about such people. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 we are told that there are "false apostles, deceitful workman, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder," it continues to explain, "for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." Satan is the deceiver and deception is one of his greatest ploys to destroy Christians. He uses his deception extremely well. Do not think that cults are the only place that he uses it. He uses it in many, many areas. He does not deny God, but teaches that there are many ways to God. He advertises destructive sinful activity as pleasure and fun, life fulfilling. He promotes the vulgar and obscene as art. He renames sinful lifestyles, alternate lifestyles. He wraps worldly philosophy is biblical references calling them reasonable. He trivializes sin as human nature which we are not to be held responsible for. He deceives with false salt.

Beloved, we are not immune to Satan's deception. We must watch our life and doctrine closely (1 Timothy 4:16). We must hide God's Word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11). We must study His Word diligently, being workman that correctly handle the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). We must test the spirits to be sure they are from God (1 John 4:1). We know that holy Scripture is able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15), therefore we cannot afford be negligent in these matters, but give ourselves wholly to them lest we be deceived by false salt. Jesus promised that the Spirit would teach us all truth and remind us of what He said (John 14:26). Satan may be a an accomplished deceiver, but greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Yield to the Spirit's work in your life and be not deceived.

Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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