Don’t Believe Everyone

When I was a boy of about nine years old, I went to a camp for missionary kids. There was a boy there who was older than me, who I thought was so cool. I followed him around, hoping to be his friend. When we were out in the yard, he pointed out a bush that had little red peppers on it. He said that the coolest thing to do was to break open this pepper and rub it on my upper lip. “It would feel great,” he said. Fully believing him, I gladly pulled off a bright red pepper, broke it open, and rubbed it on my upper lip. Within seconds, I broke out in tears. It hurt so much. I washed and washed my upper lip to no avail. It just hurt and would have to wear off. He was laughing so hard at me. I had trusted him. I thought he was a friend.

That day, I learned that not everyone you think is your friend really is. I learned that there are people who will deceive you and laugh at your disaster. This was the day that I became more discerning and less gullible. It hurts to be lied to.

Galatians 6:7-8 is such a clear challenge to me. It was often quoted to me by my mother as a young man. Don’t be deceived. What you sow, you reap. The fruit will either be corruption or everlasting life—no middle ground. We must decide.

Reflective Questions

1. Jesus calls us to critical thinking. What area in your life do you need to evaluate?
2. Jesus calls us to pursue truth. Are you committed to discovering truth?
3. Truth bears good fruit. Are you convinced that God’s Word brings good fruit? Does your life reflect your belief that God’s Word brings good fruit?

Memory Verse

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7:15 (NKJV)

Prayer

Dear God, I know that You are completely trustworthy. Thank You that I can always trust You. Help me to beware of false prophets and to be wise to see those that are in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Help me to be more discerning and less gullible.

Related Scriptures

I John 4:1; Matthew 24:11; II Peter 2:1–3; James 3:12; Galatians 5:22–24; Ephesians 5:9; Psalm 1:1–3; Matthew 3:10; Hebrews 6:8; John 15:2–6