Are we tuned in enough to God’s presence, character, and truth, to know what comes from Him and what does not? Are we able to discern between what is good and what is evil?
Sometimes evil is so blatantly obvious that we can see it and recognize it. Murder. Abuse. Theft. Yet we can easily miss identify even these if we aren’t careful. Murder can be ok, if we believe the one murdered was not a good person. Abuse can be tolerated if I am abusing laws, substances for my enjoyment, and not really impacted others too much. Theft is ok, as long as it’s “minor.” If I take home office supplies, or if I steal time from my job, it’s not a big deal – the company may not even notice – or owes it to me.
We really cannot gauge well what comes from God and what does not if we are not very familiar with who God is.
“One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.” (Acts 16)
Good or bad?
Here is a young lady who from all appearances seems to actually be spreading the truth about what Paul and the other apostles are doing. She is announcing to the public that these men know the way to salvation. Isn’t she?
“This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated…”
Why is Paul escalating? Why is his frustration on the rise? While the words of this girl may be true, her action is not actually helping to bring others to Christ. It is hindering. Her shouting, while loud and attention getting, is not actually getting the attention that attracts people and softens their hearts. Rather, the action pushes people away. Imagine Paul trying to speak while over and over the shouts of a child pierce the air. “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved!”
Who is behind this girl’s action? A deceiver. One who will use truth or actions that sound or look ok, but in reality bring nothing but damage, destruction, and discouragement.
But do not miss this. When we know who God is, and walk in His Holy Spirit, we are able to discern that which does not come from Him. We are able to see deception as it is. And furthermore, we are given the tools to do something about it!
“This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.” (Acts 16:16-18)
Evil presented itself in an attempt to squelch the gospel. Evil gave it a go. But evil did not win. Truth did. God’s power was sought, and overcame. Instantly.
Paul’s heart for God, and understanding of who He is – brought him to a place of awareness or discerning of what was not from Him.
Friend, it is my desire that we may be so familiar with God – with His word, with His prompting – that we are able to recognize truth when we see it. This comes with our investing time into reading His word and dwelling near Him. Let’s make time with Truth a priority.
Blessings!