Wanderman in the Wilderness

God's word applied in the world.

On Valentine’s Day, The FBI Warns Against Romantic Scams…and So Does God!

This Valentine’s Day, the FBI has a message for you: “Avoid romance!” Well, not really, but you might think that is the message if you listened to recent warnings. Romantic scams have become a serious problem, and the FBI is warning you to BEWARE!

As online dating grows, it is more common for couples to meet through dating websites and online boards. In fact, it is the new normal for many. But online relationships are also a breeding ground for scammers looking to bilk unsuspecting romantics.

Did you know that the FBI “received more than 15,000 reports linked to romance scams last year?” They estimate that losses exceeded $230 million for 2016. Their advice? Be skeptical!

The problem, of course, is the heart. It wants what it wants. The FBI says that even intelligent, cautious individuals lose control when their feelings outweigh their rational minds.

One victim, Debby Johnson, said, “At this point your heart rules your head, and I was doing what my heart wanted me to do.”

There is nothing wrong with romance. In fact, love is the greatest emotion and spiritual gift. But a heart that rules the head is in grave danger. And, spiritually speaking, it could lead to eternal disaster.

God warned us long ago about the danger of letting the heart rule the mind: “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Our hearts might FEEL that something is right, but living according to God’s Word is ACTUALLY right. That’s why Jeremiah said, “a man’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

God wants your heart and your mind. He gave us “everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3). Feelings change. But the Word of God will never deceive.

Don’t be scammed! True knowledge in Him is the basis of true love. Anything else is just a con.

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