A Caution Against False Teaching

Lately, I have been sensing the need to share a specific message regarding the importance for us as followers of Jesus to remain hope-filled and Word-focused during these very confusing and tumultuous times.

I wish to remind you that in his opening to the people in Crete (Titus 1:1), Paul calls the people to remember to live in the "knowledge of the truth" and he equates this with "godliness". The knowledge of the truth is revealed when we hold fast to the direction of God as revealed in His written Word.

Are you reading the scriptures daily?

There are many points in the written Word where we are cautioned against false teaching. False teaching can, and often does, come through the incorrect interpretation of the scriptures. As well, false teaching can happen through actions such as sharing information that induces fear, worry and a sense of hopelessness. I hope to encourage you with this teaching from Jesus in Matthew 6:27 "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" Will you take the time to ensure that whatever information you are about to share with another meets this criteria of inspiring hope and reminding those of the peace that comes through faith in Jesus?

Be encouraged this day to remain focused on and trusting in Jesus in all things!

There is much misinformation online that can "tickle our ears" and seemingly give us some false sense of direction in terms of how we ought to think and speak. A good rule of thumb is to take such information and test it against scripture. Paul's teaching in 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Does the information that you plan to share with another meet the biblical standards of righteousness and good works? If not, then the information you have ought not be shared with others. Please think about this.

What we ought to be aware of is that we are to guard our lips from talk that is useless and harmful. In Ephesians 4:29, Paul admonished the church in Ephesus by writing "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Paul wrote this letter because of the "myths" that were being shared. Paul rebuked these false teachers because they did not adequately understand the scriptures yet they presented their ideas (myths) as though they did. This situation brought about "speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith" (1 Timothy 1:4).

I know that there is a real and strong desire for answers. The times in which we live are demanding them. However, we must remember that our God is in control over all of His creation. There is nothing that occurs that He does not know about. So while there may be a sense of worry and hopelessness creeping in, be reassured that God's will is perfect and always right on time!

Saints, guards your hearts and your minds against misleading and false teachings. Be careful in what information you share with others. We either give life by our words or bring death with our words.

I trust you will choose to give life!