1 John 4:1-6
My dear friends, don’t believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God comes from God. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world. Here’s how you test for the genuine Spirit of God. Everyone who confesses openly his faith in Jesus-Christ the Son of God, who came as an actual flesh-and-blood person - comes from God and belongs to God. And everyone who refuses to confess faith in Jesus has nothing in common with God. This is the spirit of the antichrist that you heard was coming. Well, here it is, sooner than we thought. My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers for the Spirit in you is stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ - denying world. They talk the world’s language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God, understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of truth from the spirit of deception. 1 John 4:1-6 (MSG)
It happened again today, my telephone rings and I look at the name on the screen which appears to be one of my friends, but upon answering the call it is yet another robocall. It might be someone telling me about a free trip, the IRS needs to speak to me, or someone impersonating a grandchild. You can no doubt relate to this annoying problem. It is another reminder that things are not always what they seem.
In 2020 there are so many voices bringing us messages all of the time! Some are louder and more angry than others, but that doesn’t make them more truthful than the quieter voices. Don’t we long for a litmus test of sorts to help us discern the truth from the false narrative.
The scripture for today was written by the apostle John later in his life. Even though it was written long ago, the words have much to teach us that can be applied to our world. John tells us, “My dear friends, don’t believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you.” So just how can we do that?
First and foremost, do these words match what God says in the Bible?. God’s word does not change because God does not change.
Second, what are the fruits that you can see from that message and the person’s life who is giving you the message? Does that message give you fear or does it give you hope?
When we truly listen to someone’s message, we are not to be judgmental; however, we are not to be spiritually gullible either.
It is easy to be frightened by the wickedness that we see all around us and to be overwhelmed by the problems we face. Evil is seemingly stronger than we are. However, John assures us that God is even stronger. God will conquer all evil - and God's Spirit and Word live in our hearts.
Question for Reflection:
- How do you examine and weigh what people tell you, even when you initially disagree?
Prayer:
Thank you for your word that remains the true guide as much today as it was in the past. When I feel frightened and overwhelmed by the problems I face or those facing our world, may I remember You are stronger than evil. There is peace in your promises and I pray for that peace in our divided country. Amen
About the Author:
Janet Swanson - Janet is a retired Head Start teacher and now enjoys spending more time with her family and friends. She has been a member of Southwood over 40 years. Being part of the 2016 mission team to Tanzania, fulfilled a life long dream.
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