Google. YouTube. Blogs. Podcasts. Books. Bible studies. Churches. So many voices. A voice inside me whispers, “Be careful.”
Things are so different today than when Paul wrote his letter to Titus. Yet things are also the same.
“For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.” (Titus 1:10)
There are still many rebellious people, many talkers and deceivers.
I have access within seconds to the voices of people from all over the world. I have access to teachings on everything. But how many of these teachings are deceptive? Which ones are truth? This is both the good news and the bad news of being a Christian today in the United States. I have access to truly awesome teachings that could lead me into a richer relationship with Jesus. I can also get ahold of false teachings that could lead me down dangerous paths.
In Crete, where Titus was working, the “circumcision group” was evidently a big problem. In our culture, some groups are easily identified as problematic, as deceivers. But others are not so easy.
I yearn to know Jesus better. My heart pulls me toward Him. I read the Scriptures. I meditate on, or think about, the Scriptures. I pray. I try to be quiet and listen to the Holy Spirit. I learn more about Jesus through trusted followers of Jesus, my community. All of these things I believe are good.
Yet, I need more. I need teachers to lead me. Teachers who are truly followers of Jesus, whose hearts and minds are turned toward Him. Teachers who have been blessed by God with the ability to turn the difficult into the understandable.
Lord, I want know You. Thank you for easy access to teachings about You. Lead me to the teachers and teachings that reveal Your truth. Give me discernment to recognize the difference between truth and deception. Keep me from listening to rebellious people, the false teachers. Amen
Diona
Sixty-six books in a year 