I was working with a much younger person this last week and a question came up. I’ve heard the inquiry before, but it was more impactful this time for some reason. You may have heard the question as well. It goes like this, “With so many people telling me what to believe or not believe, how do I know who to listen to?” Sound familiar?
The Apostle Paul tells us in I Corinthians 6:2-3, that the saints will judge the world and that we will even judge angels. If this is so, do you think it is relevant to know how to judge right now? Shouldn’t we start practicing who we should or shouldn’t listen to? I believe The Word, has a basic game plan for us to follow
The study of Shoftim is entitled “Judges.” And in Deuteronomy 16:18, we immediately read the order to appoint judges and officers who shall judge righteously. They should not distort, or take bribes, and above all else, they should pursue justice for all. Under this umbrella, these judges discern cases of false worship, relationships among brethren, homicide, immorality, the workings of a king, and portions put aside for Levites. They help determine who is a false prophet. They manage cities of refuge, and landmarks, and weigh testimony against or for others. In short, they had a big job to do.
But how do we decide on more simple concepts like the one brought to me the other day? Here are a few Biblical texts that may help you:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence
, and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things,
and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4: 6-9
In this above text, I can pull out the following guidelines:
- Pray before listening to another and ask for the peace of YHWH
- If the person’s words are not following what Paul listed as “whatever is. . . ,” you should probably step away
- Practice the art of discernment.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of YHWH;”
2 Timothy 1:7-8
Here are two takeaways from 2 Timothy:
- If the person tries to pass on a spirit of fear, then maybe their advice is not from YHWH
- If the person sharing information with you is not following the testimony of the gospel, you may want to look elsewhere.
To the law and the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20
Isaiah is pretty straightforward. If a person does not believe in the testimony of Yeshua the Messiah or they smear the Torah as something to be forgotten, then I suggest you should seek light or wisdom from somewhere else.
Over the years, I have found another useful guideline. It addresses the area of pride. If you come across a ministry, religion, or belief promoting new and awesome insights that direct you toward an unquestionable wisdom, you may want to re-evaluate. In practical terms consider the testimony of John the Baptist. He did not seek disciples who would follow him with blind obedience. Instead, he directed others to follow The One greater than he. This was stated clearly to the Jewish leadership who sent priests to question him, where he said, “I am not the Christ, . . . I am the voice crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the Way of the Lord.’ “
Finally, in I Corinthians 5, the Apostle Paul checks into his spirit as directed by the Father to judge an immoral person who was in the midst of the church. He then advises the body to stay clear of any believer who is covetous, an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler. Did you know a reviler is a person who divides the body through insults, scorn or berates those who are in leadership?
So, how do we know who to follow? I believe the Bible is clear, we just need to be honest enough to carefully discern or judge what or whom we listen to. The early Corinth church had problems similar to what we experienced. Many of their members would brag about “who” they followed, which eventually caused division among them. (I Cor.1) In this case, Apostle Paul reminds them of one very important concept; Follow Yeshua the Messiah and ask the Father to impart the Holy Spirit to give you discerning wisdom.
Be blessed,
Rollyn