Be Aware

Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. 3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 1 Timothy 6:2b-5

I recently was interested in reading a particular book by a Christian author. I didn't know a thing about this author but the title of the book and the caption on the back cover intrigued me. So I purchased the book and brought it home. Then I began reading it. I found myself reading something quite different than what I thought the book was about. It was also quite obvious that this author was from a drastically more charismatic persuasion than I. But I didn't let that stop me from reading it. Despite our theological differences, I was open to the fact he might have something valid to say. As I read, I found myself having mixed reactions to his work. While as a Christian I found common ground with him, I found myself silently agreeing with him on some points and questioning him on others. In addition, I found some of his comments to be very judgemental of other Christians who did not hold to his particular 'brand' of Christianity. His statements even questioned whether others were truly saved if they did not meet certain criteria. I set the book aside as I could not even finish the book. Pondering the author's perspective and beliefs, I dove into the Bible to either validate or invalidate his statements. I mean I could be wrong. I'm only human, too. So I searched Scripture. As I did, I asked for the Holy Spirit's help in discerning Biblical truth from the author's personal beliefs.

In our world today, we are blessed with many wonderful Christian authors, teachers, pastors, and evangelists. Many of them have refreshing insights into Scripture and ideas that are uplifting. Though they all hold to the same core Christian beliefs, there are variations and differences among them. As believers, we need to be aware of what we are reading. Who is the author? What are their beliefs? What is their background? We need to be aware of what we are feeding ourselves. We must also be aware that just because something is in black and white, written by a Christian author, and published by a Christian publisher doesn't mean it is completely in alignment with God's Word. Books are written by people. People are fallable. God's Word is infallable! We also need to be on guard against false teachings, teachings that can seem right but are deceiving so as to draw people away, cause division, and make the church ineffective. Ephesians 4:14 warns of this, "Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth." Notice here that MATURE Christians are wise, not influenced so easily by false or deceiving teachings. Mature believers weigh what they are told against the Word of God.

Just because I may not be of the same Christian persuasion as someone else, doesn't mean I won't read or listen to what they have to say. However, knowing their background beliefs ahead of time helps me to filter what they are saying through the Word of God. I've learned to rely on the Bible first and foremost. What it says are the teachings we should hold fast to. Anyone or anything that says any different are not worthy of listening to. The Bible is the Final Authority.

In His Love, Cathy