The Mischief-Makers Far from God's Law

Spurgeon observed that those who follow after mischief occupy perilous spiritual ground—and their danger extends far beyond themselves. Consider the varieties of mischief-making: some men deliberately pursue evil and delight in tempting others. Others inflict mischievous consequences through their example without intending it. Still more dangerous are the respectable unbelievers whose very morality grants them access to influence where the openly wicked cannot venture. Even regular attendants at public worship, through their persistent indecision and lukewarmness, encourage others to delay commitment to Christ.

All such persons share a common condition: they are far from God's law. This distance manifests in multiple ways. First, unbelief itself removes them from obedience, for Yahweh's commandment is that we believe. Second, those who cause evil to others violate the law's core demand—to love and do good. Third, to stand far from God's law is to stand perilously near His righteous wrath.

Yet Spurgeon urges a redemptive response. Men and women must believe in Christ—not merely for personal salvation, but for the sake of others who follow their influence. Through faith in the Messiah, believers become sanctified hagiazo—set apart and made holy. God's commandments prove true in principle, true in living, true in their reward. They never lead to falsehood or delusion, but only to life.