But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness…(1 Thessalonians 2:4-5)

I was stopped quickly while reading 1 Thessalonians 2 by these words, “cloak of covetousness.”

Whew…take it in. It brings such a warning with it as Paul speaks it.

Cloak-“something that envelopes or conceals” (Webster’s)

It certainly has the scent of deception, doesn’t it?

Let’s look at, “covetousness.”

-“a desire for more or a desire for an advantage-greed.”

Paul is stating that they came to minister with pure hearts. They weren’t using people to gain an advantage or to gain more of something. They didn’t use flattering words to gain man’s approval, they merely spoke on behalf of God the truth and it was received.

It’s with a heavy heart that I must warn you to guard yourselves from those with flattering tongues and cloaks of covetousness. They seek to use you for a personal gain. We are called to help others but we must discern when a distraction, in the form of a deceitful person or persons, is sent to us by the enemy.

God operates in absolute truth and integrity. Flattering tongues have a way of blessing you until you do not do as they wish then that same tongue will often curse you in secret.

You can love and pray for them but you must not entertain them. Remember Tobiah, the secret informant, sent to deceive Nehemiah? The enemy still employs secret informants today.

It’s best we learn to call things what they are and move away lest we allow Satan to take us down.

I realize we are taught certain things to be the “good little Christian soldier.” However, we are a weak church because of it. The Christian soldier acknowledges there is a real enemy and readily denies him, or her, access.

Do not be unwise in these days, my friends, it is so critical that we act on the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

There are predators we need to spot and avoid. Sometimes you’ll even have to cut the snake off at the head. Don’t give the enemy room to infiltrate your space.

It’s your duty to guard well the sheep in your care by testing every spirit. If you have any inner warnings, heed that warning, immediately.

(Read all of 1 Thessalonians 2-it’s great stuff and for more about Tobiah, the secret informant, go read the book of Nehemiah.)