Another difference between the true people of the Lord, the wheat, and those among them who are walking in the light of their own sparks, is the willingness to confess sins and shortcomings. The Lord's saints are quick to confess their sins, to walk in the light of the Lord's rebuke. The tares, the self-willed, seldom or never confess their own sins but often point out the sins of those whom they suppose are hindering their efforts to serve God.

The wheat hear from the Lord and walk in open confession and repentance before Him. The tares act according to their own judgment and do not walk in open confession and repentance. Rather they are quick to gossip about the faults of others. As we study various Bible personages in the following pages we will notice that the wicked were those who were not hearing from the Lord and who saw no fault in their own conduct, while the righteous were hearing from God and were quick to admit their own sins.

A third characteristic that distinguishes the wicked and separates them from the righteous is that the wicked lack understanding. The self-motivated set out to tear down the righteous, believing themselves to be righteous. Yet they do not ask themselves, "How can my efforts to injure this person be coming from the Lord who loves mercy? Is there not a lie in my right hand?"

How could the Jewish leaders treat the Lord and His Apostles the way they did and regard themselves as acting righteously, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God?

At one time the self-righteous Saul of Tarsus was persecuting the believers unmercifully. But his conscience was pricking him. Through God's grace Saul turned from his murderous pride and personal ambition and joined the ranks of the righteous—those who were hearing from God and admitting their own sin. After his experience on the way to Damascus, Saul learned to listen to the Lord. He was willing to admit he was the chiefest of sinners, and he gained understanding.

It is difficult to comprehend why God permits Satan to gather with the sons of God, knowing that Satan will not listen to Him, will not admit his sin, and lacks understanding. It is difficult to comprehend why there are so many wicked people who join churches, who seek to gain preeminence among spiritual people. With all the interesting things to do in the world, why does this type of person gravitate toward the Kingdom of God? It is puzzling, seeing they have no heart for God. They end up crucifying the Lord's true saints. Maybe this is the reason for their existence—to perfect God's sons.

One fact is evident. The wicked who gather with the saints do not understand they are fighting God. They do not know what they are doing. Had they known what they were doing, the chief priests and elders would have walked into Hell itself before they would have murdered their Christ.

Perhaps God sends delusion on them because they do not receive the love of the truth.

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, that they should believe a lie: (II Thessalonians 2:10,11)

To be continued.