Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. Romans 16:17-20 NKJV
We live in a world where we hear many conflicting stories. News reports contradict each other and many are obviously slanted to the left or to the right. We are told something is good for us one minute and can cause us harm the next. We are encouraged to do this today, but tomorrow we will be discouraged from doing the same thing.
Why are things so confusing? Well, we are told in 1 Corinthians 14:33 that God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. In 2 Timothy 2:7 Paul says think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 1 John 4:1 tells us not to believe every spirit, but to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
When you don’t know what to believe, be sure you know who you can believe in. Jesus said, in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” My friend, when you don’t know what to believe, know that you can believe in every word found in God’s Holy Word. You can trust that His Word is the truth. Jesus told us He is the truth. He is the one and only way to God the father in heaven. He is the only way to life everlasting. This is what we must believe. He is where our focus should be.
I have spoken many times about distraction techniques. As a smaller person in law enforcement, distraction techniques were very useful for me. I found I could gain control of a larger person when I first distracted them and then applied defensive tactics. Because the devil is no match for God, he uses distraction techniques. The Bible tells us that we are to focus on God (Matthew 6:33). The devil likes to distract us and get our focus on anything but God. He uses crooked, evil people to accomplish his goal. Sadly, he also sometimes uses those who claim to be Christians. This is why we must be very careful. Our scripture passage tells us to avoid those that teach any other doctrine than what we know to be true by God’s Holy Word. We are told to test the spirits. Now, more than ever, we must be on guard against the devil and his evil schemes. We must suit up in the armor that God provides (Ephesians 6:10-18).
If you find yourself confused in this crazy world and don’t know what to believe, know that God’s word holds the truth. Beware of anyone who twists God’s word and pulls it out of context. Beware of anyone who is teaching false doctrines. And whatever you do, don’t fall prey to distraction techniques.
The Bible warns us that in the end times will come times of difficulty (2 Timothy 3:1-5) because people will be selfish, consumed with pride, arrogant and just downright evil. We are told to avoid such people. Sadly, there are people out there professing their love for Christ, but spreading false doctrine. We must be very careful in these ends times. We must be diligent in our study of God’s Holy Word. We must rely on Him completely (Proverbs 3:5-7).
If you read the headlines and don’t know what to believe, know that you must not worry about what’s in the headlines. It’s what’s in your heart that matters. Pray for discernment and wisdom, we are told James 1:5 that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God who gives generously.
Don’t be deceived and whatever you do, don’t believe every preacher or teacher that comes your way. Study your Bible and pray continuously to guard against the devil’s distraction techniques. Trust in God wholeheartedly and He will show you the way.
Have a great day!