Even though listening to the preacher is my favourite part, I do not leave my brain at the door and just accept every single word that is spoken.

2 Peter 2.1-22

Reference:  v.1a  But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.  (NIV Bible)

Explore:  In year 8 of secondary school I had a horrible Mathematics teacher.  It was bad enough that Mr. Princeton had breath that could melt stone and his beard often held leftovers from his staff-room lunch, but his style of teaching math was lazy and ineffective.  Maths was one of my better subjects but under Mr. Princeton's tutelage I felt that my number's knowledge stagnated.  While Mr.Princeton may have something to answer for my depleted maths knowledge, I doubt very much that he will be condemned to damnation for his questionable teaching skills!  Whereas the teachers mentioned in this passage are causing far more destruction than a less-than-hygienic maths teacher.

Application:  Prophets, pastors and teachers still play an important role in our faith lives and we must be discerning of whose advice and guidance we will follow.  When I go to Christian conferences I enjoy singing with a large group of people around me, I like catching up with friends and meeting new people.  But what I really love is listening to the preacher unravel a new perspective on God.  Even though this is my favourite part, I do not leave my brain at the door and just accept every single word that is spoken.  I'm constantly sieving their ideas through my own knowledge and experience of God and mulling over whether I could agree wholeheartedly or not.  Too often we leave our faith in the hands of other people.  This warning against false prophets is a good reminder to us to take personal ownership of our faith.  Whilst it is great to learn and hear from others, we must be responsible for our own faith and be commited to discern for ourselves what is of God.

Prayer:  Lord, there are so many ideas communicated in our world.  I often get overwhelmed.  Help me to hold on to your Truth.  Amen.

What impact have past teachers and pastors had on your life?