A busy day with many things happening simultaneously, Father, but I can feel your calming hand in it all. Help me to continue moving forward, in the direction You know is best. Amen.
Romans 16:17-27 (<<click here to read the passage)
One of the most dangerous tendencies in the body of Christ is that far too often believers are as gullible as a fish with a worm before its eyes – except the problem is the worm has a hook through it. The worm can’t get away, but soon neither will the fish.
Sometimes we are too naïve and trusting for our own good. We hear a preacher say something with authority straight from the pulpit and “gulp”, we swallow it whole. We don’t question it. We don’t verify it. We don’t check any of it out, we just accept it.
Probably one of the biggest sources of misinformation that we take for the gospel truth is things posted on social media. We see and think, “Oh, man, that’s awful! People need to know this!” and without any research whatsoever we immediately hit the share button.
In societal and political scenarios, it is most certainly devastating but on a Scriptural end of things? We must do our homework!
Looking at my study Bible* notes on verses 17-20 it reads,
When we read books or listen to sermons, we should check the content of what is written or said so that we won’t be fooled by smooth talk and glowing words. Christians who study God’s Word, asking him to reveal the truth, will not be fooled, even though superficial Christians may easily be taken in.
An example given in the notes was to look at Acts 17:10-12. I once again read through my post on that passage and would encourage you to do the same. Click here on the title to do so – Seek Out the Truth.
That post goes a little deeper but basically, Paul and Silas were teaching the Bereans and the last part of Acts 17:11 says,

They [the Bereans] searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. NLT

Don’t be hoodwinked. Don’t be reeled in. And this may hurt a little…but don’t be lazy. Don’t just assume that what you’re hearing and seeing from what you hold to be a reputable and upstanding source is spot on. Check it out. Affirm the truth for yourself under God’s supervision and keep the worm out of your line of vision!

*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation

Sept 11th, 2023, Mon, 1:00 pm