EXAMINE WHAT YOU HEAR
My dear friends, don’t believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God comes
from God. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world (1 John 4:1 MSG).
There’re those who quote Romans 13:1 and assume they should do whatever they’re told to do, as long as the one giving such instructions is a person of authority. They’d say, “He’s a renowned leader; therefore, he must be speaking the truth”; but that’s not how it works.
First, let’s review that scripture properly; it says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1). Our opening
verse tells us to test the spirits. That’s why you don’t just run with, or do whatever you’re told by just anybody; examine where that authority is coming from. It could be from Satan. So, you have to be careful.
God can choose a leader, and the leader can go rogue against God. The Scripture is replete with examples of those that went against God, even
though they were chosen of God. Let’s take the story of King Saul as a case study. In 1 Samuel 15, Samuel the prophet gave very definite instructions to King Saul. He was to go to war against Amalek and destroy everything connected to them, with no exceptions!
Saul went out as instructed, and had the victory. He utterly destroyed all that was despised and worthless, but spared what he deemed choice and valuable. Not only did he spare Agag, the king, he also spared the best of the sheep and oxen, and all that was good. What was God’s response?
He said to Samuel the prophet, “I regret making Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not performed My commands…” (1 Samuel 15:11 AMPC). This shows that not every leader listens
to God or wants to do what’s right.
Therefore subject all things to the light of God’s Word. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Just because you felt good about what someone of authority told you doesn’t mean it was from God. Always remember that God’s Word is the supreme authority by which we judge all things.
Also, to the leaders, it’s important you listen to God. Find out what He wants, and do His will. Refuse to compromise. Examine your policies to be sure they’re good for God and for people.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I consciously weigh every instruction against the truth of the Word, irrespective of who gives it. I refuse to go contrary to your Word, which gives life, light, direction, and purpose to me. My steps are ordered by you, through the Word and your Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 7:15-16; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:23-3:1-12 & Leviticus 11-12
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 15:10-20 & Genesis 48
