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II Chronicles 33:14-34:33, Romans 16:10-27, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 20:19
“And now there is one more thing to say before I end this letter. Stay away from those who cause divisions and are upsetting people’s faith, teaching things about Christ that are contrary to what you have been taught. Such teachers are not working for our Lord Jesus but only want gain for themselves. They are good speakers, and simple-minded people are often fooled by them.” Romans 16:17-18
Don’t get caught up in personalities and charisma. Always listen to what people are saying. Does it line up with what the Bible says? We sometimes have a tendency to run on emotions and the Apostle Paul is encouraging us to examine what we hear with Scripture and to reject those smooth talkers who are trying to feed us information in order to line their pockets. I know it’s hard to believe, but they do exist. They are clouds without water. They have no substance. If you are in the position to do so, protect simple people who don’t have the discernment to distinguish these folks. Don’t let them near your church and encourage your friends to stay away from their television programs. Know this also, there is big money in causing division and strife in this world. If you don’t believe me, turn on the news or talk shows. There are complete organizations designed to pit the “oppressed” against the “oppressors.” Doesn’t matter how many gains you make toward peace, they are there to tear it apart.
PRAYER: Father, I pray to be discerning in what I allow into my heart and mind. Help me to be able to tell truth from fiction. Help me to never be that person that leads people astray over some stupid “revelation.” Help me to always follow the trail of information to a logical conclusion. I never want to misrepresent you or allow anyone I know to be duped by deceptive people. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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