Why
do people want to steer me away from truth?
Again and again, people want to steer me away from God’s
truth? Why?!
A few days ago, as I was selling my Christian children’s
books at a market, a man suggested I read the works of a 19th philosopher,
known for art and literature and who was admired for his spiritually
enlightened insights.
 |
| Here I am, selling my books at a market. |
The fellow, who made the suggestion, was apparently
enamored by the philosopher whose name he put before me. I had never heard the
name before, though I had heard of one of his books which had been touted by
some subculture followers of the sixties and seventies. No, I won’t say the philosopher’s
name because we could insert any number of names—some well-known and some
obscure.
Curious about this man from history, whose works I’ve
been missing out on, I looked him up. I learned that he was relatively popular
and has been quoted by famous people in speeches and songs in recent decades.
Though raised a Christian, he became influenced by Islam
and various mystical religions upon reaching adulthood. This has been a common
occurrence throughout history and is much the same these days. I know people
who’ve experienced being reared in Christianity, and as young
adults striking out to find “a better way.”
After my conversation with the man at the market, I asked
myself, “Now, why did he even get into that topic with me? I was innocently
trying to sell my books.”
I then recalled our conversation:
He asked, “How did you get into writing these books?”
Me: “I first wrote the stories for my grandchildren and
felt led to get them into print for others to enjoy and learn from. I love to
study the Bible and would like to see my grandchildren and others become
interested in knowing what the Bible says.”
(There
it is! I told him I love to study the Bible, therefore he wanted to help me out
by encouraging me in the sphere of philosophy and religion.)
He: “Have you ever read the works of _______ ______?”
Me: “No, I don’t think so.”
He: “Well you should. I think you’d enjoy him. He was a
great writer and literary person. Here, I’ll write down his name for you.”
My helpful new acquaintance proceeded to pull out a tablet
and write down the name of his apparent hero along with a brief quote for which
the hero is known.
I politely took the paper and subsequently checked him
out. To tell you the truth I found pretty much what I expected because this
kind of thing has happened before. I discovered yet another popular Gnostic-style religious master, similar to individuals the early church
contended with in the first century. These false teachers and false prophets
come along each and every century and will continue to do so until the blast of
the last trumpet.
It’s certainly not the first time I’ve experienced such encounters.
Those of us who know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and that no
one comes to the Father but by Him are often confronted by well-meaning, but
misguided individuals who want more for us. (Sigh!)
If they only knew! If they only knew Jesus like I know
Jesus, they wouldn’t consider a need for something more, or greater—a more
esoteric level of truth, or some other gobbledygook!
In his letters to the first century church and to his
protégé, Timothy, Paul warned about false teachers and false prophets seeking
to disrupt and lead astray inexperienced church members. Some examples are
found in 2 Cor. 11:13-15; 1 John 4:1; 2 Tim. 4:3-4; Col 2:8.
I especially like
his warning in Colossians: “See to it that no one takes you captive
through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men,
according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to
Christ” (Colossians 2:8 NASV).
I am confident that nothing will dissuade me from Jesus,
the only Son of the Living God, my own personal Savior. But what about you?
What about your children—my own children and grandchildren?
I know my confidence comes from getting to know my God
thought Bible reading and study and through a consistent prayer life, as well as
being connected to a local church fellowship.
If you are not totally sold-on—sold-out—convinced that Jesus is indeed the way, the truth
and the life and that no one comes to the Father except through Him and through
Him alone, then I beg you to get into God’s Word seriously! Ask the Holy Spirit
to be your Helper and let God’s truths wash over you, your mind and your
spirit. Let it teach you and refresh you every day of your life.
Don’t be distracted by worldly philosophies no matter how
good they sound and no matter that they even use a portion of scripture to try
to draw in God’s elect. We are warned over and over about such threats. Satan
is as a wolf in sheep’s clothing and like a lion seeking who he can devour. (Matt. 7:15).
“Beware
of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are
ravenous wolves.”
(Matthew 7:15)
Let’s pray for one another, especially for our little
ones and those young in the faith. Christian college students are being led
astray by false teachers and prophets who stand behind podiums in their
classrooms. One reason this is so rampant is that these young adults don’t know
why they believe what they were taught at home and church growing up. Many are
actually not born-again even though they attended church with their parents for
18 years. They may have never come into a personal relationship with Jesus nor
have developed a strong biblical foundation for themselves.
They don’t know the Word of God! AND their eternal
destiny depends on it!
Do you recognize false teachers when they come your way?
Do well-meaning friends and family members encourage you
to check out thus and so philosophy
or teacher? Please share about it below, if you’d like.
Are you discerning of the source of well-intentioned
quotes and banners you may share on Facebook? When we share a quote or cool
photo, to some degree we’re promoting whoever originated it.
I know many may say that, I’m too narrow in my thinking
but “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded ...” (2 Timothy 1:12).
I hope you are also well grounded. If not, begin today to
dig in and get to know Jesus better and build your spiritual house on the firm
foundation of God’s Word.
Your comments are welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
©Connie
Wohlford 2016
