April 1st is probably the only day of the year we look at the internet with skepticism. We’re pretty sure everything we see is a clever prank or joke to trick us. Chris announces his new position with the Dodgers, actors give away huge spoilers for their show’s upcoming season, and all kinds of good-humored pranks just to have some fun. We actually enjoy being fooled occasionally.
Unfortunately, on April 2nd we go back to believing everything we read on the internet. Posting a status on your Facebook wall has some legal bearing on your account (it doesn’t) because somebody said their cousin, who is a lawyer (they aren’t), said so, or that a great way to charge your new iPhone is to put in the microwave for one minute (don’t do it unless you like really expensive fireworks) are all things that some people will believe without reserve because they were told by someone on the internet.
We must be even more careful about what we believe when it comes to our salvation. Repeatedly the early Church was told to test the spirits, and fact check the preachers. We have the same responsibility today. If we just believe whatever we are told by anyone in a suit standing in a pulpit, we’ll be in a world of hurt when our time comes for judgement. Any preacher worth his salt will admit mis-speaking during a lesson, sermon, or study. And don’t be surprised that there are many people who blatantly lie about the Word. Just this week a famous actress has begun telling the world that God is okay with abortion and she’s backed up by a group of “ministers” who “blessed” an abortion clinic since they claim abortion can be a “godly” thing.
Don’t believe everything you hear.
I John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
