The meaning of the Latin words used in the title of this entry is, "To be, not to seem". It was the motto of a US Air Force Academy class. The cadets of that class felt that it was not enough just to have the outward appearance of an officer, but to also exercise the honorable behavior expected in an officer of the US Air Force. The Air force academy embraced this "whole man" concept of an officer, and enforced an honor system of behavior, after noting the behavior of Nazi officers in WWII, who thought their duty began and ended in obeying all orders, even those orders that were evil and immoral.
In the same manner, the LORD, and His living Word, expect us not to have an outward appearance of Christianity only, but the inward reality as well. We read in scripture that in these last days,there will be those who will not be genuine in their faith, those who will teach false doctrine, and those who will be eager to accept that false doctrine. We see this increasingly in the Church now as the return of Christ draws near. More and more, those who call themselves Christians are rejecting the truth of God's word, and embracing those things that God has called unacceptable. Paul warned that the day of Christ's return "shall not come, except there be a falling away (apostasy, defection from truth, repudiation, divorcement, cause to withdraw, incite to revolt) first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition..." (2 Thess. 2:3). Those who had once seemingly embraced the gospel, will abandon it, and incite others to do so also. Paul explained why this would happen:
"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion (wandering, straying, error, leading into error, wrong opinion), that they should believe a (the) lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." v. 10-12
These who had seemed to be in the faith will fall away because they do not value the truth, and the lie is more appealing to them. This lie challenges the truth of God's Word, as Satan did originally in Gen. 2. Choosing to believe the lie leads them into continuing in the pleasure they find in unrighteousness. Because of that choice to believe the lie, God will send strong delusion upon them. Isaiah also prophesies of a delusion sent by God:
"I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not." Isa. 66:4
Our choices determine our destiny in God. Even now, there are those in the Body of Christ who encourage, teach, and celebrate unrighteousness as being acceptable to God. However, we are not called to just seem to be followers of Christ, but to BE followers of Christ and His Word.
Paul exhorts us to be genuine in faith and in righteousness, to stand fast by the Word: "God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thess. 2:13-15
Our sanctification is a transforming work, a renewing of the mind, by the Holy Spirit through the Word of Truth, as we offer ourselves sacrificially to the proving of the will of God in our spiritual service and worship (Rom. 12:1-2). It is a continuing process of sanctification resulting in a perfect man, a unity of faith, and the growing into the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:11-13,15). Not only is the individual believer perfected in this spiritual transformation, but the whole Body of Christ is also perfected by its members. Those who refuse this transforming and renewing process by the Holy Spirit and the Word of Truth "walk in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: ...have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ...put off (cast off, lay aside)...the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on (sink into like a garment) the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." v. 17-24
This process of "being, rather than just seeming" requires us to put away lying and lies, receive truth for ourselves, and speak the truth to others (v. 25). Put on the whole armor of God, which defends every part of our body, soul, and spirit in the truth of God's Word and His salvation, righteousness, and peace, against the spiritual wickedness that would try to cause men to fall away from truth and life to their destruction and damnation (Eph. 6:10-17).
Pray always and diligently, for yourself, and for all the saints of God, especially in these days of lies and strong delusions. It is time to be, and not to seem.
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Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior:Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
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