Things are not always what they seem. We see examples of this all the time. Just yesterday I was shocked when I learned that a well-known Houston doctor had been arrested for assaulting his wife. I see this guy on TV all the time, in ads with the punch line that he cares about people just like he cares for his own family, especially the little girl sitting on his lap.
At first I thought maybe he is being falsely accused or maybe he was provoked, pushed over the edge and acting out of character. He seemed like such a nice guy that I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Then I learned more about him. Mr. Nice Guy had his license revoked in 2006 after he tested positive for cocaine use, which was a violation of a 2002 probation order. Then there were references to his behavior in previous marriages. Turns out that Mr. Nice Guy isn’t so nice–certainly not someone I would want cutting on my body!
The point is–don’t believe everything you hear or see on TV, or anywhere else. Things are not always what they seem to be! The Bible warns us repeatedly about false prophets and teachers, wolves in sheep’s clothing. So, before you go hog-wild and pig-crazy over some hot shot preacher with a charming personality you better get your facts straight. Find out what he believes and pay attention to how he behaves.
Every Christian has a responsibility to weigh every message on the scales of God’s word to see if it is true. If we are to avoid being dupped into believing a lie we must carefully examine everything in the light of God’s Word. We should be like those in Berea who “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so”(Acts 17:11). Don’t ever believe something just because I, or somebody else, says it is so. Get the facts! Get into the Word and make certain that it is the truth you are embracing. You owe it to yourself to do so.
The devil is smarter than you think. He is skillful in the art of deception. He can deceive even the smartest and most educated people, convincing them to believe a lie. Our only defense is the Bible and a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit who enlightens us. Being deceived about a doctor who deals with our physical body is one thing, being deceived by someone about spiritual matters is another and of far greater importance. Don’t let it happen to you. Think about it!
