We are so blessed to have the written words of God. The scriptures can introduce man into a growing relationship with God and illuminate the path of righteousness. In our world of memes, cliches, and catch-phrases, God's Word can be tweaked to suit our views and distort His meaning. Satan sought to undermine the words of God from the very beginning with Eve, questioning what He had said. Had Eve held to exactly what God said without suspiciously and selfishly wondering why He gave the command, she would have been on firm ground.
People have a way of influencing others. It is not just the people "in authority" who have this power: even friends and acquaintances can possess profound influence. Take David for instance, a man who had been anointed as king. When on the run from murderous king Saul, David had an opportunity to avenge himself. King Saul entered a cave alone where David and his men were hiding. It was a vulnerable moment for Saul, but equally dangerous for David because of the temptation set before him by his loyal men. 1 Samuel 24:4 says, "Then the men of David said to him, "This is the day of which the LORD said to you, 'Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.' " And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul's robe." I have searched the scriptures, but in no place has God ever said such a thing. God had promised to deliver David from his enemies, yet never for the purpose of doing to others "as it seems good to you." David wisely refused to obey the urging of his friends.
The followers of Jesus also did their best to influence Him - not that they were successful! After Jesus told his disciples that He must suffer many things, be rejected, arrested, and crucified, Peter rebuked Him. Mark 8:33 reads, "But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." Jesus had decided to follow the will of the Father, not to live life according to the wisdom of men. We too must exercise this same discernment afforded all Christians by the indwelling Holy Spirit. God has provided His Word so we can test the spirits to see if they are of God. Like our mouths taste food, so our ears weigh the words to see if they match what God has said. False balances are an abomination to the LORD, and our words must be carefully weighed as well. All claims of those who say they speak for God should agree with God's Word, for He will not contradict Himself.
People have a way of influencing others. It is not just the people "in authority" who have this power: even friends and acquaintances can possess profound influence. Take David for instance, a man who had been anointed as king. When on the run from murderous king Saul, David had an opportunity to avenge himself. King Saul entered a cave alone where David and his men were hiding. It was a vulnerable moment for Saul, but equally dangerous for David because of the temptation set before him by his loyal men. 1 Samuel 24:4 says, "Then the men of David said to him, "This is the day of which the LORD said to you, 'Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.' " And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul's robe." I have searched the scriptures, but in no place has God ever said such a thing. God had promised to deliver David from his enemies, yet never for the purpose of doing to others "as it seems good to you." David wisely refused to obey the urging of his friends.
The followers of Jesus also did their best to influence Him - not that they were successful! After Jesus told his disciples that He must suffer many things, be rejected, arrested, and crucified, Peter rebuked Him. Mark 8:33 reads, "But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." Jesus had decided to follow the will of the Father, not to live life according to the wisdom of men. We too must exercise this same discernment afforded all Christians by the indwelling Holy Spirit. God has provided His Word so we can test the spirits to see if they are of God. Like our mouths taste food, so our ears weigh the words to see if they match what God has said. False balances are an abomination to the LORD, and our words must be carefully weighed as well. All claims of those who say they speak for God should agree with God's Word, for He will not contradict Himself.
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