
I love to read. When I can open a good book, I do. I read fiction, non-fiction, self-help, historical fiction, chick-lit, and anything a friend recommends. This morning I was reading a book by a popular Christian author. She made a statement that I didn’t agree with. I reread the statement. I reread the paragraph. I still didn’t agree. I didn’t put down the book but kept reading. I made a mental note that I didn’t agree with her and to keep on alert while reading on.
In Christianity, we have many denominations. On the whole, we all love Jesus, accept Him as our Savior, and as our path to God and eternal life. However, not all denominations agree on baptism style or communion or end times or … Hence, why we have denominations. As I read this book, I surmised this author to be of a particular denomination who believes differently than I do. I am not going to stop reading the book, I am going to read it with my eyes open. Why am I blogging about this? Because whether reading, watching a video, or listening to your pastor, listen with discerning ears.
Just because our pastor says it doesn’t means it’s true. We may need to dive into scripture (the Bible) after being exposed to a statement or belief that doesn’t sit right with us. We should do this. We should question what we hear/read and discover what God says. Humans are fallible. God is not.
Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.
~ I Thessalonians 5:19-22 The Message
There is a wonderful example of this in the book of Acts when Paul and Silas were teaching in Berea.
As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. . ~ Acts 17:10-11 NIV (bold faced added by me)
They double checked on their own to see if Paul – a well known and well respected preacher – was preaching truth. They went to God’s Word – the Scriptures – to confirm it. They didn’t take it at face value. How about you? Do you question what you read/hear if the author/speaker is a well known and well respected teacher? You should. I have looked up things Beth Moore has said many times. She actually encourages that in many of her talks. We should question. We should know for ourselves what we believe and what God says. If you feel uncomfortable about something you read/hear, take it to God’s Word.
We live in a world of false truths, deception, and flat out lies. We are called to be wise and to check out everything against the Word of God. Start listening/reading with attentive and questioning ears. I will keep reading this book, I don’t need to ignore the wisdom this author is sharing because I disagree on one of her perspectives. I am a mature enough Christian to read with discernment. I am sure you are too.
Dream Big! Pray Big!