We live in a world where access to information is unprecedented. Most people walk around with a supercomputer in their pocket. You can ask any question and receive an answer in a moment.  Search any topic; there are countless videos, articles, social media posts, podcasts, documentaries, etc. With such a mass of information, have you ever come across something that was untrue? Maybe it was intended to sell you something, confuse you, hurt you, or just to cause chaos. In fact, opposing information is so prevalent, a term was coined to describe it - misinformation.

‍

With so much information, endless sources, various opinions, and numerous ways to consume it, it can be dizzying to even attempt to sort out what is true. Nobody desires to be deceived. There’s a lot of talk about truth. But what does truth even mean anymore? Surely this must be a problem that only we are faced with at this time!  

‍

Or maybe this isn’t a new problem. Reading today’s verse might give us a glimpse into the presence of the same problem 2,000 years ago.  Paul warned the early Christians to be on the lookout for false teachers. He knew that not only is the individual prone to being deceived, but false teachings can often sew disunity and division in the body.  

‍

Although the contexts will change, the issue still stands: there will be times when we are faced with divisive influences and teachings contrary to the truth. But how can we possibly know what to believe? How can we keep a watch out? And then what? Thankfully, we have a written source of objective truth that the Holy Spirit inspired – the Bible.

‍

Today’s verse and the next (v. 18) warn us of this danger. As you study God’s Word and grow in your relationship with him, it becomes easier to identify inconsistencies in false teachings when held up against the Word of God. The enemy wants to divide us, confuse us, and feed us lies. It is so important not to allow disunity to be sown in the body. Thankfully, God designed us to be in community with other believers, and that includes studying the Bible to strengthen us against misleading witness.

‍

Next time you’re unsure about something, ask whether it is consistent with Scripture, with God’s nature, and does it glorify him? If you recently started following Jesus, ask him to teach you as you study the Bible, learn the truth, and grow in your faith. If you don’t have others close that you can trust, find a group, Bible study, or friends. Together, you can point each other closer to God. We all have blind spots, but in community we can see each other’s and guide each other back to what is true, like all believers through faith in Jesus are children of God (John 1:12).

We talk a lot at ACF about taking next steps. Sometimes these feel like small things that only we (God and the individual) understand and other times they are tangible things we move forward in to grow. Considering today’s scripture, is there a step that you could take today to grow closer to God and what he has for you? Maybe that’s connecting with God through his Word consistently, maybe its inviting others to study with you, or it could be teaching others how to lead.  

‍

God, thank you so much that you are so personal and desire an intimate relationship with us. And thank you that you have given us written, tangible, infallible Scripture. You speak to us in so many ways and know just how to reach each of us in a meaningful way. Please continue to reveal your truth to us and foster unity within this beautiful body of Christ that you have created. In Jesus’ name, Amen!