Be Well On Your Guard

This is a lesson we recently delivered. 

Betrayal is such a hurtful and hard thing to navigate through for anyone especially young people. When children have been mistreated by parents, it sends some confusing messages. That person can grow up to feel betrayal is something everyone does, so they start to do it too. When one feels betrayed by someone else, it is a great time to get some objective feedback from a strong Christian friend and to examine expectations and boundaries.

Betray: to fail or desert especially in time of need. Synonym: backstab, double cross Antonym: stand by*

Beware of the Judas kiss with which the Christ was betrayed

and with which you will be betrayed 

unless you are well upon your guard. 

In the world and from the world 

you will have tribulation!

-Spurgeon

Dear Reader: Note that Judas was an "insider" and walked with Jesus and the other disciples and was still disloyal to them. This is a reminder to us that many of our hurts come from those we know, even those who claim to walk with Christ. It is a very tough and pain filled road to navigate. 

Sadly, we are all guilty of some type of betrayal to our friends and even our Lord. We try to justify it, but there is no excuse. He forgives us for failing to be faithful to Him and to others. In fact, when we betray others, we are being disloyal to Him. Keeping that in mind helps us stay humble, move forward, and forgive those who betray us. Remember, Jesus KNEW Judas would betray him. He still continued to interact with him and show him love. Jesus is the example I try to follow. -W

for those who like to go a little deeper: 

source-includes the meaning of the Greek words that explain how satan led Judas to sin. Unity in the Body of Believers is worth that flesh (pride for self) vs spirit (good of all over self) battle within ourselves. 

"Judas was used as Satan’s instrument because he allowed the enemy to drive a wedge between him and Jesus. Rather than let go of the disagreement and forget about it, Judas let the issue become a big deal in his mind — something so blown out of proportion that the devil was able to use the offense to lure him into the ultimate act of disloyalty. Because Judas didn’t take his thoughts captive, the devil succeeded in tainting his view of Jesus. This then led to a disastrous effect on Judas’ relationship with Him.

It is important that you learn how to recognize those times when the devil tries to inject a seed of division into your heart. He wants to drive a wedge between you and the people you love. Rather than let him get away with this evil tactic, make a decision to resist every temptation to get angry and offended. By resisting these thoughts, you can take a stand against the devil and protect your relationships.

Learn from the example of Judas Iscariot. Determine that you will never let any issue get so blown out of proportion that it turns you into a disloyal, lying, betraying friend. And if you are hurting right now because someone has recently betrayed and hurt you, choose the route of forgiveness!"

*Helpful hint: When teaching others, it is very helpful, especially with young adults, teens, and children to start with basic definitions, synonyms, and antonyms. English second language friends appreciate the clarity in meaning also. We've found that, not everyone is familiar with the words used, or they may have an incorrect idea of what a word means. It takes only a minute and helps clarify, and often expand, the meaning in the lesson.