II Thessalonians 2:10
“and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.”
This passage addresses wickedness. It’s an old fashioned word. What is wickedness? It’s certainly all the vices that come to mind. But the second half of the verse gives some insight. It’s those things that cause people to “not receive the love of the truth”. That broadens the topic considerably. Wickedness is that which diverts one’s attention from God. Some things that we might see as neutral or good could become wicked.
Most things aren’t wicked in and of themselves, it’s how a person views it.
The bible refers to things that interfere with one’s relationship (or lack of relationship) with God idols. Many people have hobbies. These can be healthy. However, if it keeps one from God, it has become an idol. Our lives are to under Christ’s lordship. However, if we have an area that’s off limits, then that is an idol. These distractions fit under the category of wickedness.
The Lord wants to be part of our lives. He wants to be part of our hobbies. Like a father and son project. How does this work? As with everything, we pray that He’s with us. Throughout our involvement, we’ll get stuck or need something. We pray about that. When it’s resolved, we can give thanks and rejoice together. It becomes more natural with practice.
Wickedness is deceiving as mentioned in today’s verse. We fear to let Him into parts of our lives because we think He’ll take away our fun. When actually a life with God is the most joy filled. He usually doesn’t take things away, but will contextualize them. As we grow in trust, we loosen our grip. We think, “Lord, You want the best for us, so I trust You with these items. Rearrange them, if You please.”
Lord, open our eyes to the areas that are closed to You. Keep us from wickedness.