I’m sitting here typing at my new computer – well some of the parts are new. Only a writer gets excited about computer parts for her birthday. :) My old computer had issues – if I had to shut down or we had a power failure, it didn’t want to start again. So my home computer guru (aka my oldest son) rebuilt it for me.

I’m also sitting here on a new desk chair. I say “on” because I’m using an exercise ball as a chair and trying to decide whether I like it or not. I’m not sure I’ve got it at the right height. It’s supposed to help with back issues. So far, I’m not sure I agree. But it may be the height adjustment. Shadow isn’t sure what to do with it either. He likes climbing on the back of my chair and there is no back!

In the midst of these computer changes, I’ve been doing research for a new project and it’s got me thinking a lot about false teachers and our need for discernment. The apostle Paul worried about his young son in the faith, Timothy, when he told him to guard what had been entrusted to him. He didn’t want Timothy to fall prey to false teachers.

There is so much teaching out there that is suspect these days. Everything from the ridiculous notion purported by the leader of Scientology that Tom Cruise is the messiah on par with Jesus Christ – to the more subtle teachings of a desire for experiential, extra-Biblical higher knowledge of God within the Christian church.

One thing I’ve noticed that these false teachings do have in common – they lead to bondage, not to freedom. Cults use tactics to enslave cult members and keep them loyal out of fear. Experiential feel good teachings hold people hostage with the need for more of the same or deeper feeling experience – as though the feeling itself is proof of closeness to God.

False teachers play up to a person’s pride, offering salvation by any means that will please that person – promising some form of godhood or power over their circumstances. Exactly opposite of what God Almighty teaches in His Word. True Biblical salvation comes through repentance of sin and surrender of our wills, our pride, our very lives to God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Cults and false teachers want surrender of life too, but there is one distinct difference between Jesus and false teachers. Jesus is the only one who gives eternal life and freedom from sin. Cults make their members feel guilty and shamed and keep them in bondage sometimes to the point of mass suicide. Jesus is the only one whose truth will make you free – on earth and eternally.

But even Christians can be seduced to believe things that aren’t in Scripture, especially if they don’t know the Scriptures well. So often we long for a feeling to draw us closer to the Lord we love. But the Bible says “we walk by faith not by sight.” And faith means we keep believing, keep trusting, keep persevering whether we feel God’s nearness or not.

If Jesus, in His darkest hour on the cross, could feel as though God had abandoned Him when He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” then I might have times in my life when I feel as though God is not there as well.

But Jesus promised His children this – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Whether it feels like it or not.

So please be careful, be discerning, my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Error is everywhere and it’s sometimes hard to define. But one thing you can count on is that God’s Word is true. His truth will not lead you into bondage to fear, but He might ask you to trust Him even when the feelings aren’t there, even when you don’t understand. Don’t seek a deeper, feel good experience with Him. Seek to know Him by knowing His Word.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” II Timothy 3:16-17

And I might add – thoroughly equipped to discern truth from error.