The Candy Lady

Growing up, most of us can remember a Candy Lady being in our neighborhood. In the heat of the summer months and after school, we would look forward to homemade snacks, Chili Fritos, fruity ice cups, Jolly Ranchers, Now-a-Laters (as we called them), and Grab Bags. Somehow as adults, many of us desire some of the same ‘sweets’ within our homes, workplaces, and ministry. We want the best of sweetest of what life has to offer without any of the bad. We want to be told that we’re the best, great things are on their way, and we can have it all.

2 Timothy 4:3 – For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

As we mature in Christ, we must grow beyond wanting the delicate ‘candies’ of life. We must grow past wanting people to tell us what we want to hear rather than what we need to hear. We must live above tendencies that are a detriment to our health.

One of the reasons we want to refrain from these acts is that they slowly steer us away from the truth. See, those ‘sweet’ things we feel we need (in this sense) is actually bad for our souls. For example, think about the child that eats candy each day. Even though the taste of candy brings temporary enjoyment, their trip to the dentist will not, and they may have additional problems in the future.

Brothers and sisters, we need to live beyond eating candy-laced message that have no substance to help us live as mature disciples of Christ. We must desire the milk and meat of God’s word – a full helping to grow us into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). Is that what you desire today? Have you felt you have been eating too much candy and not enough meat? Return to the Lord (your first love), seek Him with your whole heart, and speak with your leadership. There may be some people, books, and teachings you will need to stay clear of. Just like the child that has to change their eating habits, so must you change what you allow to feed your soul.

So how do you know what is good for your?

1. Check the Fruit.

Matthew 7:15-20 – Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Actions definitely speak louder than words and someone’s lifestyle will give away their truest intents. Be watchful, but don’t judge (Matthew 7:1-2).

2. Check the Word.

Acts 17:10-12 – And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

It is important that we check the scriptures to ensure no one is trying to deceive us with false teachings. This is a responsibility of EVERY disciple! Some believe they have no responsibility in studying scripture because they are not ‘called’ to some type of speaking ministry. For these individuals, as long as it sounds good, they’re alright with it. However, messages that sound good can be filled with false teachings and doctrine. People looking to deceive you will not openly claim to be doing so (some will however). They will use a little truth to provide ‘credibility’ to their messages.

3. Speak to People of Sound Faith. Hopefully you know at least one person that strives to follow the Lord wholeheartedly (review items above). If you do not, pray for the Lord to send someone into your life that can assist you in the faith. You want to surround yourself with individuals that will encourage, teach, and correct you toward sound doctrine – even if it is one person.

It can be a hard thing to admit that your biblical ‘sources’ may not be sound. We truly want to believe the people we listen are teaching sound biblical truth, but not all people are. It may be hard to believe people would intentionally speak with false motives, but sadly it happens every day (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Stay away from the ‘Candy Lady’ and receive the true meat of God’s word.

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