Beloved, we know much better than the world. We know enough to use our God-given intellect filtered by the Holy Scriptures and led by the Holy Spirit to question the words of the world to see whether they are in line with God’s perfect will for us and for the unfolding of history. We must not believe every “fact”—which is subject to change—but instead embrace eternal truth.
The first verse in the fourth chapter of 1 John begins with a command to not believe but instead to test every spirit against the teachings of Jesus to see if they are indeed from God, for many false prophets are at work in the world. These false prophets, per the warning in verse five, speak their worldly philosophy rather than Godly wisdom. People focused on earthly things listen responsively, relishing falsehoods like a loyal dog loving a behind-the-ear scratch.
With the efficiency gained through modern technology, there is no shortage of these errant prophetic messages. Television, radio, Internet, and print are filled with “valuable” information spawned by both the enemy and human ignorance. But that which is not Godly produces ungodly results. The most valuable lesson we can learn from studying history is that humans are nearly always wrong. Governments, companies, movements, and science are constantly rebirthed to evolve from previous errors. Yet, in our arrogance, we always assume we know the right answer now because we now know so much.
And, most importantly, we must never lose heart nor be moved by the spirit of error. Steadfast appears 221 times in the ESV, so it’s an important word God has for us. Test the spirits and embrace only those from God. Do not be moved.
Lord, thank You for the gift of discernment You have graciously given Your children so we can rightly determine good from evil, knowing what encourages words and actions. Let us lean always on Your holy truth and follow Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.