Recognizing Truth

 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8 ESV

Read: 1 John 4

I dropped by my office the other day, it sounds strange to type that. I have been on work from home status for the past 19 weeks amid the Covid-19 pandemic.  In some ways it is hard to imagine that much time has passed yet in other ways it seems like forever since I pulled into the parking lot.  I was there to pick up some plants.  With no definitive date for our return the plants were suffering.  There was no one to enjoy them and they spent their days in darkened hallways and boardrooms. Many of the plants were struggling and in need of care.

As I walked the hallway gathering them in my cart, a coworker apologized for the plant’s condition. I assured them it was fine, not to worry.  They then boasted that at least one of the plants had done well.  Pointing into the adjacent office, they smiled.  

“The ivy?” I questioned.

“Yeah, that one.”

“Ah”, I stammered.  “It’s not real.  That one is silk. You’ve been watering that one?”

I felt bad as I saw their shoulders droop. “Yeah.” 

If you are like me, that made you giggle.  But, in their defence, they do not know much about plants and they were doing what they could to help.  The same thing could easily happen to us in our spiritual lives. We are easily taken in by fakes and lies.  The only way to protect ourselves is to rely on our discernment and most importantly do what the Bible instructs. 

You are hearing many different things from your friends, co-workers, neighbors and the media.  Much of it will not be true but someone suppositions. Many of us are trying to make sense of the events that we have experienced over the past seven months.  It can be a difficult time trying to figure out what is or isn’t true.  

One thing you can be sure of is that God’s Word has not changed and neither has His love for you.  He provided His Word so that we have a handbook to help us navigate this world.  In addition, Jesus left with us the Holy Spirit to comfort and council us during difficult times.  Whatever you hear, take it to the Lord in prayer.  Look to His Word for answers.  By studying His Word and making time for quiet prayer you will be able to discern the fake from the truth.  If you are familiar with God’s character through  His Word, you will recognize truth.  

Typist for Jesus