Be Wary

 

Many people erroneously think the Bible commands us to not judge anyone. Of course, the Biblically literate person knows the Bible says no such thing, except when taken completely out of context.

When someone tells you we should not make judgments, you might ask him or her to think of this scenario:

“Your daughter brings home a young man she wants to date. But you know him to be an unsavory character, a liar, and a cheat. What would you do? Keep your thoughts to yourself, or would you tell your beloved daughter to stay away from him? The question is the same if it was your son who wanted to date a young girl whose reputation is equally flawed.

"If you love your child, you will make a rational JUDGMENT, and correctly tell him or her to stay away.”

From time to time – and it is becoming increasingly frequent as the world spins toward total spiritual darkness – I read of clergy who advocate ideas and philosophies 180 degrees from what God says is truth. I’m talking about clergy in small churches, large churches, and even those known across the globe.

A friend recently asked me if I’d read the latest statement by a clergyman whose name is well-known around the world. The man is also known as one who often speaks out of both sides of his mouth. One day he says something that sounds like Biblical truth. The next day he says or does something that contradicts Biblical truth. Such confusion has marked his leadership for years.

Of course, he is not the only cleric who today speaks duplicitously. St. Paul warned the church at Corinth – as he would warn the church today – Satan has his workers spread across Christendom: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

The apostle also warned the church at Ephesus: “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.” (Acts 20:28-30)

So, what is the person in the pew to do to protect ourselves from confusion and deception? The Holy Spirit tells us the answer:

When those in the Macedonian city of Thessalonica kicked Paul and his companions out of the city, they went to a nearby town called Berea. As was Paul’s custom, he preached the gospel to those who lived there. Scripture then tells us: “Now these [in Berea] were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)

If the Bereans examined their Scriptures every day to verify what the great St. Paul taught them, then every person in today’s pews not only has the right to verify from the Bible what they are being told from the pulpit, they have the RESPONSIBILITY to do so.

God tells us: “But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them.” (2 Timothy 3:13-14)

You and I have learned Biblical truths from the mouths and the pens of godly men and women, children of God faithful to the historic teaching of the Church since the days of the apostles.

Study God’s word. Memorize it. Make it part of your daily time with the Lord. Be aware! Those who remain negligent in their devotion to the Scriptures will be easily mislead by false shepherds – especially perhaps those who are most popular.