“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever know God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.”

   The slang of the street is brought to mind here “you better recognize!”

  • You need to be aware of your surroundings.
  • You must not be ignorant of your requirements to the boss or your superiors on the job. 
  • If you are in a war it is imperative that you can identify your enemy; it could mean your very survival.
  • Don’t be foolish and bring a knife to the gun fight.

   We are children of God. Christ, God in us! We are overcomers by the power of our Redeemer. Don’t forget who you are and who is in you. The world will never embrace your love of the Master.  They’re viewpoint (perception) is not the same as the believer. Only God can renew, redeem, and regenerate the sinful heart. It is not our doing. We are slaves to the one that loved us from foundations of the world. We are not of this world, we have been bought with a price, the very blood of Jesus Christ.

   Be careful when you begin to feel at home in this present world. Contemplate the sin of Eve. She was in the perfect world, in perfect conditions, and perfect peace. Her only requirement was to be obedient to the will of God. Adam was of no help; he was turned towards his helpmate Eve and her desire. Misdirected love removed them from the garden and brought them the sorrow of death. 

 Recognize!

   The ability to distinguish the difference between the real and the counterfeit is to grasp the viewpoint of God. He will never lie. He will not change. His perfection is our best defense against the deceits of the enemy. Don’t be hoodwinked by the lies of Satan. He will always deceive. He will always destroy. He will always steal. He will always bring death.

But test everything; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21