Discernment.

“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the Body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-15)

I was overly-excited to attend a conference this week, desperately seeking a fresh encounter with the Lord. Worship lasted over an hour the first day and at one point I sat down, bowing my head to our Father in Heaven. With tears in my eyes, I told the Lord I had come to meet Him there—and I said I was sorry. I was truly grieved in my spirit.

As worship ended, introductions were given and teaching began, red flags arose all around me. As participants nodded their heads and encouraged the speaker with shouts of praise and admiration, I could not help but shift uncomfortably in my seat. This was not the God I know. He was not speaking of the same Jesus who died for our sins, rose from the dead, and redeemed our souls. I was deflated. Halfway through I abandoned my seat respectfully and drove home, praying for each one in attendance.

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

Do you know our God? Do you seek Him or do you rely on the word of others? Is His law written on your own heart or are you copying someone else’s notes?

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)

I won’t call out the conference or the teachers, but I will give you the gist. Whenever you hear someone teaching self, run. Run and never look back. The Word of God tells us we must die to self, not embrace it. Whenever your ego or pride is being fed, run. Whenever the offering supersedes the message, run. Whenever you are told you are worthy, remember you are not. Not one of us is worthy of the price our Lord, our Savior, our King Jesus, paid. Not one.

10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; (Romans 3:10)