God's Word as a Filter
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."I John 4:1
A number of years back, my husband and I walked a difficult path of parenting. Scripture gave us a solution to our problem, but instead, we chose to muddle through in our own efforts. God's Word, we felt, was too difficult to implement, and so, we rationalized and allowed the situation to take a toll on our family.
In the midst of our struggles there "just so happened" to be a homeschool conference promoting a well-known guest speaker. I had planned to attend to purchase curriculum, but also purposed to sit-in on his seminars.
On the morning of the curriculum fair I was surprised to see that the speaker's topic was related to my parenting struggle. I took this as an answer to prayer. Unfortunately, as I sat listening, my spirit was greatly stirred and, instead of the peace and confirmation I expected, I experienced turmoil and confusion. Although this man's "preaching" was in support of decisions that my husband and I were making, I discovered that, upon hearing it from another's mouth, it appeared twisted and distorted.
God's grace was so good that, in spite of a crowded auditorium, He allowed me to spot a dear friend and her Pastor husband. Throughout the speaker's lecture I noticed the stern and serious looks on their faces and perceived that they, too, experienced questions and a lack of peace with this man's message.
Afterwards, I sought out my friends and, they, knowing my family situation, spent much time talking with me.
"It grieves my heart," the husband said, "At the deception that this man is presenting to so many people. And I noticed a lot of younger homeschoolers present, who were eating up every word he said. It is so sad."
God used this speaker for me in my situation, but not in the way I had expected. His misinterpretation of Scripture caused me to see the lack of truth in his application, as it applied to his life. His own problem was still ongoing with no end in sight.
Dear mother, be careful! Just because a speaker is in the public light, and has top billing, does not make him credible. Filter everything you hear through Scripture and "try the spirits".
While I still do strongly recommend attending curriculum fairs as a way of refreshing and recharging a mother's emotional tank, my word of caution is to be careful of Satan's subtle tactics. His best, and most effective strategy for undermining a Work of the Lord is still to attack from within!
Prayer: Lord, I pray for Your discernment. Help me not to trust blindly, but to filter everything through Your Word! Please grant me wisdom for understanding, knowledge for application, and strength for action.
