How Gullible Are We?

This morning I read something that had been shared from Joel Osteen Ministries Facebook page. Joel misquotes Numbers 11:23 and puts Moses in stories from the Bible where he wasn't even present.  In the comments some point this mistake out, but others say "Amen" as if Joel was speaking truth.  And millions give money to this pop star "preacher".

There are many false teachers in the world.  You should NEVER, EVER take what any man - or woman has to say about God's Word.  Look yourself to see if what is said or written is true.  Of course, we can all make mistakes. I'm sure I do.  And when and if I do, please, please let me know. But there is a difference in making a mistake and in teaching non-truth.  And many who preach/teach non-truth don't really care. Many are about the money.  Some are just blind to the truth.

Years ago one of our family members was talking to a popular denominational preacher. He said that he believed his "denomination" didn't preach as much truth as the non-denominational congregation in town.  Yet that man continued to preach and "save" people with what he didn't believe to be the whole truth.  That is scary, folks.  Scary and sad.  He will give an answer for that some day.  I will give an answer for me. You will give an answer for you.  

Truth matters.  And along those lines, here is Alan Smith's "Thought for the Day" on this very subject.

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                           HOW GULLIBLE ARE WE?

     A freshman at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair, April 26, 1997.   He was attempting to show how conditioned we have become to the alarmists practicing junk science and spreading fear of everything in our  environment.   In his project he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict control or total elimination of the chemical "dihydrogen monoxide."  And for plenty of good reasons, since:

         1.  it can cause excessive sweating and vomiting

         2.  it is a major component in acid rain

         3.  it can cause severe burns in its gaseous state

         4.  accidental inhalation can kill you

         5.  it contributes to erosion

         6.  it decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes

         7.  it has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients

     He asked 50 people if they supported a ban of the chemical dihydrogen monoxide.  Forty-three said yes, six were undecided, and only one knew that the chemical was...

     WATER!!!

     The title of his prize winning project was, "How Gullible Are We?"  The conclusion is obvious.

     Religion is another area where people have a tendency to be gullible.  Extreme examples can be found in David Koresh's followers and the Heaven's Gate cult.   But it can happen any time we believe someone without checking out God's Word to see if what is being taught is the truth.  Faith does not mean blindly accepting whatever anyone (even a preacher) says.

     The apostle John warned, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (I John 4:1)

     Use God's Word to discern between what is true and what is false.  And if you feel like living dangerously today, pour yourself a big tall glass of dihydrogen monoxide!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Helen Street Church of Christ

Fayetteville, North Carolina