grateful, but not gullible

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (JDV)

1 Thessalonians 5:19 Don’t stifle the Breath.
1 Thessalonians 5:20 Don’t discredit prophecies,
1 Thessalonians 5:21 but evaluate all things. Hold on to what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

grateful, but not gullible

Paul’s instructions for the Thessalonian Christians are designed to keep them in balance. That is why the positive attitude reflected in verses 16-18 (gratitude for everything) is balanced out with what sounds like its opposite in today’s text.

Those promoting a more supernatural approach to life are quick to quote verses 19-20 as proof-texts. It is true that we should not stifle the true work of God’s Breath (his Holy Spirit) or discredit true prophecies. They are given by the power of the Holy Spirit. But what Paul warns here is that there will be false prophets as well. Believers must evaluate all things. We are responsible to hold on to only what is good and stay away from every kind of evil — even the religious kind.

Lord, keep us grateful but keep us from being gullible.