09/10/2026
Throughout my life, I have done my best and have fallen countless times. Yet through every failure, God has faithfully opened my eyes, corrected my path, and drawn me closer to Him. None of us arrives at spiritual maturity on our own. We grow because of God's grace, His Word, and His willingness to lovingly correct His children.
God's people are not called to walk in ignorance or blindly follow the opinions of others. We are children of the King of Kings, and He has given us His Word as our guide. Because of that, when I hear a teaching, an opinion, or a claim made in God's name, I believe it should be measured against Scripture. Not because I think I am better than anyone else, but because God's Word is the standard for all of us.
The Bible reminds us:
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." - 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
Sadly, there are times when people become more committed to their own preferences than to God's truth. In moments of frustration, some may even say, "I don't care what the Bible says." Yet as believers, our response should never be to ignore Scripture, but to allow Scripture to challenge our thinking, correct our attitudes, and guide our decisions.
Many churches today face declining attendance, financial struggles, and weakening faith. While there are many reasons for these challenges, one danger is losing sight of our true purpose. The church exists to glorify God, proclaim the gospel, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. When personalities, traditions, family influence, or man-made preferences become more important than biblical truth, the church can drift from its mission.
This is why Peter's warning remains so important:
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." - 2 Peter 2:1 (KJV)
Peter reminds us that false teaching often enters quietly. It can appeal to emotions, personal ambitions, or popular opinions. Many may follow it because it sounds appealing. Yet God calls His people to be discerning and grounded in truth.
Peter's warning encourages us to:
- Know Scripture well so we can recognize error.
- Evaluate teaching by both doctrine and character.
- Be cautious of those who use faith for personal gain.
- Stay grounded in Christ rather than following personalities or popular trends.
- Humbly examine ourselves to ensure our own beliefs and actions align with God's Word.
A powerful example is found in Acts 17:11, where the Bereans were commended because they searched the Scriptures daily to verify what they were being taught.
The goal is not to become suspicious of every pastor, teacher, or church member. Rather, it is to become faithful children of God's Word. Before we look at the faults of others, we should first ask God to search our own hearts. Revival begins when believers humble themselves, submit to Scripture, and seek God's will above their own.
May we be known not for promoting ourselves, our families, or our traditions, but for exalting Jesus Christ. And may every decision we make be tested against the truth of God's Word, for it is there that we find wisdom, correction, unity, and life.