READ: COLOSSIANS 2:6-10; 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12-16; 1 JOHN 4:1-6

One summer, I was a bored 13-year-old who needed something to do. So, I decided to offer piano lessons at my family’s home. After all, I’d had almost two years of piano instruction myself—though I wasn’t taking lessons or even practicing much at the time. My grandmother had given us her out-of-tune piano; I could teach kids to play on that. I’d created a summer job!

I haphazardly made a sign and planted it at the end of our driveway miles out in the country. The next day my brother asked, “You’re teaching piano lessons this summer?” His question sobered me: Who was I to be teaching the art of piano playing? I simply wasn’t qualified. Later that afternoon, I removed the flimsy sign.

Not all who present themselves as “experts” or (in my case) teachers belong in that position. This is especially important when it comes to offering insight into Scripture or what God wants for His followers.

When we put our trust in Jesus, believing the gospel (or good news) that He died on the cross for our sins and rose from the grave to save us, we receive God’s gracious forgiveness, eternal life, and His Holy Spirit to dwell within us. The Holy Spirit guides us in understanding the Bible and discerning right from wrong. Encouragement from faithful Christ followers helps too. But what happens when those we look to for help send a message contrary to the gospel?

Like my friend who said, “God wants us to have nice things.” (Maybe?) Or the woman who suggested the Bible teaches reincarnation, the concept of one person living many lives over and over. (What?) Some say God desires to bless His people with great financial wealth. (Really?) Or, “If you desire to get married, God will certainly bring you a spouse.” (Always?)

We will occasionally hear confusing teachings. Thankfully, when we do, we can look to Jesus. As we read His Word, His Spirit will help us understand what God really says. • Allison Wilson Lee

• What teachings have you heard that cause you to wonder, “Does the Bible really say that?” Have you ever asked someone which Bible passages lead them to think the way they do?

• Why is it important to read God’s Word for ourselves and prayerfully test whether someone’s instruction aligns with Scripture—as seen through the lens of the gospel? (More on our "Know Jesus" page.)

And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:12 (NLT)