Beware

Beware

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”

– Colossians 2:8 (NKJV)

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”

– Acts 17:11 (NKJV)

“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.”

– 1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

Ponder This:

This is a wake-up call to the discerning. A guarding word to those who carry glory. God is raising His watchmen, and the trumpet is sounding: BEWARE.

The enemy doesn’t always come dressed in darkness. Sometimes he shows up dressed in charm, false peace, or even wrapped in religious language. He is subtle. Strategic. Seductive. That’s why Jesus often began His teachings with this charge: “Beware.”

• Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15)

• Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees (Mark 8:15)

• Beware of false prophets and empty words (Matthew 24:4–5)

We live in a time of spiritual saturation - volumes of teachings, endless videos, reels, podcasts, posts, and preaching from every corner of the internet. Everyone has a mic. Everyone has a message. But not everyone has been sent by Our Father in Heaven.

That’s why it is vital to open your Bible. You must read the Word for yourself. You must verify what you hear by filtering it through Scripture. You must test every spirit and weigh every word.

Reflection:

• Am I letting online voices replace the voice of God?

• Do I test what I hear against the Word, or do I just take it in because it sounds good?

• Have I allowed information to replace intimacy with God?

Prayer:

Father God, sharpen my discernment. Open my spiritual eyes and ears to know Your voice above all others. Give me a hunger for Your Word and the desire to filter every teaching through Your truth. Give me the courage to walk away from what’s counterfeit and cling to what’s real. I desire and choose to guard my heart, my mind, and my spirit. In the name of Jesus. Amen.