“Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness...” (Jeremiah 23:32)

Just as we need to be educated to work in whatever career we choose, we need to invest just as much time and effort into learning to be a true follower of God.

I’m not just talking about reading the Bible and having study groups to understand his word, but to learn just how to apply his word. We have a responsibility to put just as much effort into being a good Christian as we do to our job or schooling.

There are very obvious reasons for this — we want to please God and live a happy and fruitful life. Following the Word of God is the best way to achieve this.

But there is another reason and it is two sided. We need to be able to discern the truth from others just as we need to show the truth to others. In other words, who we choose to follow as our Christian mentor and/or leader is just as important as the example we set for those who may look up to us.

In Jeremiah, chapter 23, we, along with pastors and prophets, are warned against misrepresenting God to others. The whole chapter is dedicated to this warning; so it must be a very important admonishment from God.

Looking at it from one side, he is warning those who prophesy and preach untruths in his name that they will bring on his wrath.

“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!, saith the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:1) He continues, “...Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:2)

But it should also serve as a red flag to us. It is very important for us to learn how to be able to discern when we are being told or taught something that is not from God. That is why reading the Bible and praying is so invaluable. We are told to “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

What is the armour?

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...” (Ephesians 6:14-18)

Everything we need is right there in his word. If we put ourselves in a good place, we will stand strong enough for others not to drag us into a bad place. And if we stay in a good place, we can help bring others there as well.

So, keep the faith and keep your guard up.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Debra Robillard can be reached at drobillard@palltimes.com
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