One of Solomon's proverbs reads, "Can a man take fire into his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?" (Chapter 6:27). In that specific place, he is talking about the danger of dabbling in immorality. They are wise words, words of warning. And they deserve a wider application because there are many of the Lord's people who are flirting with even hotter property than promiscuity.

The old line, "All that glitters is not gold," might be rephrased a number of ways, but the jarring fact is that Jesus made clear there would be a lot of glittering gospel in the last days. And not only is it without the golden ring of truth; He declared that it was generated of the lie, a prophecy from the pit. There are several insights into this in His words, and in other references contained in the New Testament:

   - "Many shall come in My name and shall deceive many." (Matthew 24:5)
   - "For there shall arise false prophets… insomuch that if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matthew 24:24)
   - "God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie." (II Thessalonians 2:11)
   - "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." (I Timothy 4:1)
   - "In the last days perilous times shall come...having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." (II Timothy 3:5)
   - "For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." (II Corinthians 11:14)

These are only a sampling of the warnings of the Word, flashing signals of the Scripture to alert us to a trait of our day. Last times shall flow with error as well as with a revival of Holy Spirit truth.

Amazing numbers of believers tread carelessly in ignorance of this potential pitfall. Many believers entertain error supposing it is but child's play. I suggest to you that it is by no means a game. Many homes contain objects, magazines, music and games which the early church would heap on the flames kindled as a result of the minds truly enlightened by the truth in Jesus (Acts 19:13-20). Deception and error are embraced near the heart, and generally permitted to play on one's mind. Some of it is retained in ignorance; much of it is tolerated in disobedience. And yet the Bible speaks again, "Can a man take fire into his bosom and not be burned?"

Today, I am speaking about the need for children of God to be ready when our Lord comes. With that desire to be ready and to see our Lord, one Biblical trait of the last days is that sons and daughters of God will purify themselves and will hunger for the heart and ways of God to be their full experience. I have discovered no substitute for the truth of the Word and the fire of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit fire burns away excess and the truth of the Word establishes firm foundations and direction. He has said that He is coming for a glorious church, without spot or wrinkle. I'm thankful that He's committed to that and that we are too.