“Test everything, hold onto the good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Okayyy, the faucet handles were backwards. Who knew the hot was on the right and cold on the left?! I turned the knobs slowly, testing the water, and discovered the reversal. Fortunately I didn’t just turn it on and hop right in without testing the water.
As I thought about the value of testing that water, my mind shifted to another kind of water. Through loads of media available today we have access to all kinds of info and teaching. Brain food, soul food, you name it. Live streaming from conferences and churches is a piece of cake for many smartphones.
Discernment is needed now more than ever, with more input all around us. One thing for sure, it has to line up with the Word of God…’no Bible contradictions’ would be a good check.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Believe none of what you hear and half of what you see.” The Bible says, “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.” (1 John 4:1)
When it comes to testing the water, we might have a sixth-sense of right or wrong. It may not sit well with us somehow. The big thing is we have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. We can rely on His voice and know He will never lead us astray or off course.
That is good news.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13)
Inspirational Messages, Sally I. Kennedy 2014