INSTINCTIVE or DISTINCTIVE…!!

Let’s read Jude 1:18-21

“In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life”.

“Scoffing” is similar to “Scorning”, which simply means “to mock at”.

In the above passage the Holy Spirit God is warning us of the scoffers who follow their own ungodly desires and by doing so they mock God. These scoffers or mockers are not located in some foreign land or somewhere on another planet. They exist everywhere you go. You can find them in schools, colleges, work places, among friend circles (through social media or otherwise), even in your own family etc.

The main characteristic of these scoffers is that they follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. In other words they can be easily compared to animals. Animals survive based ONLY on instincts. And these scoffers also rely on their natural instincts and ungodly desires. They not only yield to ungodly desires, but also cause disunity and unrest. Let us look at a few natural instincts of man that are ungodly according to the scriptures – ANGER, LUST, PRIDE and SLANDER (uncontrolled speech).

Now, notice that we are not instructed to run away from such people or be fearful of such people. These people WILL remain amongst us but we should not let them mislead us and cause division. When you build yourself up through FAITH and PRAYER in the Holy Spirit you will not be a slave to your natural instincts. You will be given divine wisdom to deal with the scoffers and mockers who challenge your exclusivity. Do not be INSTINCTIVE but be DISTINCTIVE by remaining in God’s love and always waiting on the Lord.

You are not just another ANIMAL to be ruled by instincts; You are a CHILD of God, remain within His righteous precincts…!!