Devotion for August 2, 2008

The Catalyst

“A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth; He winks with his eyes, He shuffles his feet, He points with his fingers; Perversity [is] in his heart, He devises evil continually, He sows discord. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. These six [things] the LORD hates, Yes, seven [are] an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness [who] speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:12-19 NKJV)

A catalyst increases the rate of chemical reaction without itself undergoing any change. The catalyst makes the change take place. Well people can be catalyst too. Introduce the wrong person into a group of believers, and life-long friends may soon be parted. That is if the believers do not have a deep spiritual foundation.

Having a good foundation makes the house secure. It does so in this case because the catalyst operates like the confidence man. It has been said truthfully, “You cannot con an honest man.” Neither can you corrupt one led by the Spirit of God.

Focus on the last part of the passage above: “One who sows discord among the brethren.” How does this wicked person accomplish his task?

1. He walks with a perverse mouth. This one speaks against the things of God and sound judgment. However, because of his audience the edge would be rounded enough not to invoke an excommunication. Still he walks with enough malice in his speech to attract those weak to this sin. He trolls the congregation as an angler trolls the banks of the lake waiting for a bite.

2. He winks with his eyes. The wink acknowledges the common malice and solidifies the bond of iniquity between he who sows and the beguiled.

3. He shuffles his feet. Like a small child caught in some crime, when confronted, he looks at the floor and shuffles his feet back and forth trying to look innocent. Therefore, this worthless man appears innocent by speaking great swelling words of support when before all. However, when alone with his victims he spews vile condemnations for the sake of his apprentice.

4. He points with his fingers. He is always accusing, he is always complaining, he is always pointing at others while holding the hand of his victim. Before long the victim is pointing, cursing, and becoming a catalyst for another reaction.

My dear friend, beware of such persons lest you learn his ways. As was said upfront, “Yon cannot con an honest man. Neither can you corrupt one lead by the Spirit of God.” Guard your hearts and you will not fall into this slippery trap that takes so many by surprise.