discernment

I've been thinking about this often in the last few months when I've been a reading fiend but especially lately.

It's important when we're reading books outside of the Bible to have God's discernment as to truth and untruth. 

In reading My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers, I have found things that I think are untruths. His interpretation of the Bible or of Christian lifestyle doesn't always fit with what I understand to be true.

And what I understand to be true will grow and mature as I do. That's logical.

But it's important when reading a fiction book, such as that or Love Wins or anything written by a human today, that it is not the Bible. Even their interpretation and stance on what the Bible says might not be true, and yes might lead some people astray. Which is where the heresy part comes in, and why that accusation against Rob Bell is that charged and controversial.

In reading any book we have to (and can't really choose not to) read it through the lenses of who we are right now, in light of our experiences, and in light of what we understand to be true. It will change with time. But right now that's what we've got.

We need to pray for God's discernment in all areas of life, but particularly lately I've been thinking about the books I read.

Each book outside of the Bible is one person's theology. It doesn't have to be mine. In some cases it shouldn't be.

I believe God speaks to our hearts. We can ask Him to show us what to believe. We can get insight from other people, but ultimately, God speaks the truth.