Know shit from Shinola
A colloquialism which dates back to the early 1940s in the United States, sometimes ended with "that's why your shoes don't shine". Shinola was a popular brand of shoe polish.
In the Gospels Jesus talks a lot about false teaching, false prophets, false Messiahs, and warns us unequivocally NOT to trust or listen to them. (Matthew 7:15-20, Matthew 24:24, Luke 6:26, Matthew 23:1-2) Most Importantly, that in the Old and New Testaments, they were/are speaking by a spirit other than Holy Spirit, who is The Spirit of Truth who leads us and guides us into ALL the truth. (John 8:44, John 16:13)
Later in the epistles of 1 Peter, 1 John, and Paul’s letter to Timothy, we are adamantly warned not to believe everything we hear without first identifying from what spirit a person(s) are speaking (Ref. Luke 9:55)
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 NASB1995
They were around then, and it’s a good bet they are even more present at whatever time in history you’re reading this. Thankfully, because Holy Spirit is alive and active in the heart of every Christ follower in one way or another, we have Him as the first line of defense. As such, every one of us has the ability to hear from Him, to test and examine the veracity of things that people say and compare them to the character of God revealed in the scriptures. Paul even goes a step further and says that ALL people are without excuse (Ref. Romans 1:19-23). The point? God IS always speaking, His character and personality IS knowable by what He has done and created so that none of us can claim ignorance.
While there are many unbelieving “false prophets” and “the spirit of Antichrist” continually vying for our attention and allegiance, sadly there are also many who would bear the name Christian who are being influenced by, and speaking by, a spirit that is absolutely NOT from God.
So, what’s the practical application here? How can we know that we know that we know what spirit is attempting to influence us in any given situation?
1. Be aware and alert to the fact that your thoughts are not always from you.When you notice yourself thinking/acting on, something you’ve heard, read, or even believe to be plausible, test it against God’s word and character.
2. If your thoughts or what you are hearing seem in opposition to God and His words, choose not to listen. That’s right, you have a choice.
3. You have been given the authority by Jesus through Holy Spirit to reject anything or anyone's words that do not align iwith who God is. Use it!
4. Tell them, whether in person or in the spirit, to Go! Then let your own thoughts and actions reflect your words.
5. Once you realize there is danger, refuse it, reject it, rebuke it. Then ask God what He has to say.
Jesus left us the best example(s) in all of scripture in how this looks from a real life perspective.
“…”Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”” Mark 8:33 NASB1995
“But He turned and rebuked them, [and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of… ”Luke 9:55 NASB1995
Finally, Jesus’ response to satan when He was being tempted was always the same.
…“It is written” Luke 4:8 NASB1995
Grace and peace in the love of God to you all! Until next time!