A favorite game from “way back when” was “Simon Says.” One person is chosen to be “Simon.” This “Simon” gets to issue “commands” to the other participants. Only when the command is prefaced by “Simon Says,” should the person follow the instructions, which were usually some kind of physical action, like “flap your arms like a bird” or “hop on one foot three times.” Whether or not the participant could actually do the physical activity didn’t matter. What counted in this game is listening closely to “Simon,” and only obeying “genuine” commands, which had to be prefaced by the words, “Simon Says.” If Simon didn’t say so, and the person obeyed, they were out of the game. If the person didn’t obey and Simon did say so, that person was also “out.” Listening was very important!
How this game relates to God and His Word! God has given us specific commands which He expects us to heed. He did not leave us wondering what we needed to do. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (II Peter 1:21) Now, the devil is sneaky and tries to pull a fast one by also giving commands. Yet, his commands are not “genuine.” They are fake commands which are given to lead man astray. Peter warned us in I Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
As you had to listen closely and pay attention, to only follow the real commands in “Simon Says,” we, too, must be careful which commands we follow. Are you “studying to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth?” (II Timothy 2:15) Disobeying could keep one “out” of heaven. Are you following what “God Says?” God Bless, Courtney