As I’ve been reading through the New Testament this year, one theme has caught me by surprise—the frequent warnings about false teachers. I always knew Scripture warned us, but the sheer number of times it’s jumped off the page has been startling. This theme has really made me think about the question “What is true?”
Recently, as I wrapped up 2 Timothy, a verse I’ve read countless times hit me differently:
For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:3-5, NASB
Reading these words led me to a series of questions:
- When I read Christian authors, am I choosing those who tickle my ears rather than write truth?
- As I prepare to vote next week, am I supporting candidates who simply tell me what I want to hear?
- Do I tolerate unsound doctrine when I listen to podcasts, sermons, or apologists?
We live in a world where guarding our hearts and minds is crucial.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23, NIV
The New Testament reiterates echoes this Proverb, warning that false teachings and distortions of the gospel can easily infiltrate our culture, our churches, and even our homes.
So how do we protect ourselves from these false doctrines?
1. Pray!
How often do I pray for discernment and protection against falsehood?
Probably not as much as I should. But the New Testament makes it clear—guarding against deception is vital. I am convinced that the power of the Holy Spirit gives us discernment. I can think of times when I’ve picked up a book or listened to a speaker and gotten that weird feeling in my gut. That feeling that something is not quite right.
These days, that feeling often surfaces when I hear the word “manifest.” Culture has turned mantras, positive thinking, and self-help into idols. Friend, repeating a cliché over and over doesn’t make it true, and it won’t align your life with God’s will. Phrases like “live your truth,” “you are enough,” or “you can be anything you want” may sound empowering, but goodness, they can be dangerous. (Check out my past blog on being enough.)
Pray for the wisdom to spot these subtle deceptions, and for the strength to reject them when they creep into your own thinking.
2. Read!
If our minds are being filled with these worldly mantras, we need to replace them with Truth. And the only way to know the Truth is to read it—straight from God’s Word.
While I’m grateful you come here to read my blog, I’m painfully aware of my own shortcomings. I’m a sinner saved by grace, and I’m just as susceptible to false doctrine as anyone. I pray that what I write reflects the Truth and always points you back to the Bible, but I know I’m not infallible.
Nothing can substitute your personal time in Scripture—meditating on God’s Word, filling your mind with His Truth, and rooting your identity in who He says you are.
The Challenge in Discerning Truth
In a world saturated with misinformation, it can be hard to discern what’s really true. Whether we’re watching the news or talking with friends, every message is filtered through a human perspective—and we’re all prone to getting it wrong. Even now, as I write this, I recognize that I most likely believe some false doctrine (and you probably do too!).
But I’ll keep praying, keep reading God’s Word daily, and walk with humility. I’ll seek the Lord, trust Him with the primary matters of my faith, and rest in the beauty of His goodness.
‘Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.’
Philippians 4:8, ESV
So, how do you guard your heart and mind? How do you keep your thoughts fixed on what is true? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear how you’re staying anchored in the Truth.
Let’s encourage one another to live in the light of God’s Word, and walk daily in His wisdom.
Need a reminder to stay focused, download this free lockscreen for your phone.
Need more encouragement? Check out my book on Amazon.
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Quote in opening image is from Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation by Haley Ruth Barton.
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