Digging Deeper

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. -1 John 4:1 (NIV)

I have spoken to many people over the years that seem to have gathered their “Biblical knowledge” from things other than actually reading the Bible and seeking answers from God Himself.

I too have fallen into this trap at times. I love to read but sometimes I get caught up in what others are telling me about God’s word and I forget to go straight to the source. I’m certainly not saying reading things other than the Bible is a bad thing. I’m just saying when you are reading about scripture remember to compare what it is saying to actual scripture. Does it measure up?

The same should apply to what we hear on the radio, TV or even from the pulpit. We are all fallible people. Sometimes we get things wrong. Sometimes others, meaning well or not, misquote or misinterpret things. The Bible is the word of God. If what you are being told by a human being does not line up with it then there is something wrong. Even if that person is trusted and well educated they could be mistaken or misled.

I think sometimes we try to twist or warp the Word to fit our world so that it makes better sense or suits our needs and desires. I once had someone very close to me say “well, the Bible could be interpreted many different ways”. The Bible can only be interpreted one way. That would be Gods way. However, it can be misinterpreted many different ways. That would be mans way.

Through prayer, ask God to reveal to you what He means about certain things. Seek His guidance in sifting through what is right or wrong, good and bad.

Father, forgive us for just following along with others when Your word is right there for us to read for ourselves. Lord, guide us in Your word and how to apply it in our lives all for Your glory. We pray this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

by Rick Phillips