Not led Astray

DEVOTION 1 JOHN NOT LED ASTRAY 1 John 2:24-27 24 See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us — even eternal life. 26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit — just as it has taught you, remain in him. NIV It is imperative that we do not allow anyone or anything distract us from the truth of God. There was no question men were teaching lies about the message when God inspired John to write this letter. But it is also true people today are doing much the same. Why do we have so many beliefs systems in the world, can every one of them be the truth? The answer is of course not, but what about all the different denominations within what is consider Christianity? Can all of them be right, teaching all the truth of God? Why do some ignore portions of the Scripture? Why do some say some things were only for the apostles and not us? Why do some add requirements up and above Jesus for salvation? The variables are endless. It would seem that all each individual needs to know the truth is the anointing of the Holy Spirit. But why then do so many who espouse to know the truth teach other than the truth? It would also seem true that we really do not need anyone to teach us anything, yet that is not completely true either for God has given the church the gift of Pastor and teacher. It really does come down to us being able to listen intently to the voice of God and follow according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. There are false teachers, false doctrines, false rules and regulations which serve another purpose than the Kingdom of God. But just as it may not be easy to detect a really good counterfeit twenty dollar bill, it may be just as difficult to flush out the counterfeit teachers, doctrines, rule and regulations if we try to do it without the anointing of Holy Spirit. But we do have the Spirit and we can flush all of the counterfeiters out and see them for who they are. We have the truth of God and we will not be led astray.