How to tell a false teaching and what to do with a false teacher

How to Tell a False Teaching and what to do with a False Teacher. Uncover how to DISCERN with How to Identify False Teachings and handle False Teachers! Learn key strategies for discerning misleading doctrines and speaking the truth in love to deceived leaders. Don't miss out on this tool to safeguard your faith. Watch now to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to protect your spiritual journey!

Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca/ and the Chief Storyteller at https://revtrev.com He helps you learn how to discern https://revtrev.link/discern Check out https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

Listen to How to Tell a False Teaching and what to do with a False Teacher

Listen to more episodes and subscribe where you listen to podcasts https://revtrev.com/radio

Watch the replay of How to Tell a False Teaching and what to do with a False Teacher

Subscribe and set notifications on YouTube https://revtrev.com/tv

Read the notes for How to Tell a False Teaching and what to do with a False Teacher

This was a fun message to prepare for because a while ago I was reading in 2 Peter and connected some points that I haven’t connected before. When I sat down to organize them, I knew the tool I would create would use the word DISCERN. I got even more excited when I realized I’ve never used the word DISCERN for a tool even though I’ve taught a lot on how to Learn to Discern.  So today we’re going to start with the beginning and unpack it as we go along as we learn  How to Tell a False Teaching and what to do with a False Teacher.

Read 2 Peter 1:1 - 2:22

Can I Pray?

How to tell a false teaching and what to do with a false teacher

Let’s unpack that.

As teachers, we’re told we’ll receive a stricter judgement (James 3:1). So we need to be diligent to present ourselves approved to God, a worker who does not be to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15). In everything, we make ourselves an example of good works with integrity and dignity in our teaching (Titus 2:7-8). Pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22).

Jesus tells us that there will be many who have been involved in ministry in his name, to whom he will say, "Depart from me; I never knew you" (Matthew 7:21).

It’s up to the one teaching to make sure they are handling the word of God properly. As teachers, we need to let the word read us before we share any competence in it.

It’s also up to all us together to know when a teaching is false or deceptive AND not to have itching ears just hearing what we want to hear.

We need to be diligent and working in love.

Why do we need to look for false teaching?

When it comes to prophecies ...
We’re told to eat the meat and spit out the bones. (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21)

When it comes to teaching...
We only have the option of milk or meat (Hebrews 5:14, 1 Corinthians 3:2). No bones are allowed.

There are debatable things that we should probably stay away from. They don’t lead away from life and godliness, but they do lead away from Christian fellowship.

Grace from God for ignorance and arrogance

When I was a young pastor, I had a couple of friends tell me “That’s just your opinion,” and I was offended because I thought I was saying the very oracles of God. But I realized there are some things that are debatable that don’t lead away from life and godliness that I don’t need to share my opinion on.

And sometimes its simple ignorance. Again, when I was a young pastor, I was reading through the early church fathers and came across a wonderful illustration of how this body is a seed that gets planted and grows something that is so marvellous compared to the seed, that it looks nothing like. And when I used it as an illustration, I pointed out that it was extra-canonical and not inspired like scripture. The next morning, I read it in 1 Corinthians. The dude ripped off Paul, and I said it was nice, but not inspired.

All that is to say is that Holy Spirit will finish the good work in me just like he will finish the good work in you. My job is do bring the loaves and fishes and offer it to him to multiply.

I will do my best to bring milk or meat. I like to think I’m heavy on the meat. It’s like a Brazilian steakhouse today.

Does false teaching really matter?

"There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you" (2 Peter 2:1).

Satan is the counterfeiter. He has a false gospel (Galatians 1:6-9), preached by false ministers (2 Corinthians 11:13-12), producing false Christians (2 Corinthians 11:26) . Satan plants his counterfeits wherever God plants true believers (Matthew 13:38).

How do you recognize false teaching?

That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked. Aren’t you glad the Bible doesn’t leave it ambiguous?

In 2 Peter 1 we read about genuine believers. And in 2 Peter 2 we read about counterfeit believers. If you put these chapters side by side you will see the difference between authentic and counterfeit believers.

DISCERN False Teaching Tool

D - Define the source (2 Peter 1:16 vs 2:3)

I - Identify the message (2 Peter 1:3 vs 2:1)

S - Secure the position (2 Peter 1:4 vs 2:19)

C - Care about character (2 Peter 1:5 vs 2:14)

E - Elicit the appeal (2 Peter 1:19 vs 2:18)

R - Reason the results (2 Peter 1:8 vs 2:17)

N - Narrow to the end (2 Peter 1:11 vs 2:1,3)

Let’s unpack

D - Define the source (2 Peter 1:16 vs 2:3)

Peter says, "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1:16). And then he says the false teachers exploit you "with stories they have made up" (2:3).

The true teacher sources from the Bible and their testimony of Christ. We should preach it until we live it. We can preach it from other’s testimony, if it lines up with Scripture and the nature of God expressed in scripture.

The false teacher relies their own creativity. They make up their own message. Or they borrow someone else’s that they don’t do the work themselves on.

Well known example

Here’s a really silly example. Have you ever heard Jesus’ illustration of “I'll say it again-it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of A needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Matthew 19:24

And people explaining there was a gate in Jerusalem (or Damascus) the was so low that camels needed to get on their knees and have their burdens removed so they could crawl through after the main gate was closed.

I’ve heard heart-wrenching sermon on this…literally the same sermon illustration by different people. Some were better than others.

There are a few problems with this

First, we have no gate from the time of Christ or mention of it. Who puts possible access in a walled city that closed up? A thousand years later, there were all kinds of gates called “The eye of the needle”, because of what Jesus said. Nothing contemporary to Christ.

Second, it occurs in 3 gospels and all three use a different word for needle, for example Luke uses a surgical needle. There is no gate alluded or specifically mentioned in the text.

Third, in the text itself the disciples thought it was impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom and Jesus told them what’s impossible with men is possible with God.

This is not so important, except it’s used over the centuries to tell rich people they could get favour with God if they take off the burdens of wealth and give it to the church. As if they could earn their salvation with works while the rest of us require His grace to be saved.

It’s only going to be worse. Pastors are now using Chat GTP programs and not checking up on what it gives them. I asked Chat GTP to find me the earliest reference for this interpretation and it told me Origen said it first. I had never heard that before, I asked for that citation an it said “oh no, I was mistaken…

…One of the earliest known references to this interpretation is found in the writings of Archbishop Thomas Bradwardine, who lived in the 14th century. Bradwardine's work, specifically his commentary on the Gospel of Matthew…

I asked for citation and it said it didn’t have access. It was just scraping the web, telling me what other people said.

All that is to say We need to know the context of Scripture.

For example - what’s the context of “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”

When I was growing up, those were some of the rules to live by. Let’s look at the context.

“Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. (Colossians 2:21-23 NLT)

Tip - Be in the Word so you know what doesn’t sit right.

Is it in the Book or is it made up stories or does it cherry pick truth and misapply it?

I - Identify the message (2 Peter 1:3 vs 2:1)

For the true teacher, Jesus Christ is central. "We have everything we need for life and godliness in Him" (1:3). For the false teacher, Jesus is at the margins: "They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them" (2:1).

Notice the word secretly. It's rare for someone in church to openly deny Jesus. Movement away from the centrality of Christ is subtle. The false teacher will speak about how other people can help change your life, but if you listen carefully to what they are saying, you will see that Jesus Christ is not essential to the message.

My experience

I took a course on Creative Proclamation of the Old Testament and the final assignment was writing a message completely from the Hebrew Scriptures. And the sermon I handed in had dozens of people come up to commit or recommit their lives to Jesus when I preached it. I failed that assignment because I talked about Jesus. I told the professor “If I’m not talking about Jesus I’m wasting everybody’s time.” And gladly took the mark he gave me.

We need to discern if it lines up with Scripture, but also the Spirit behind it.

Paul in Philippi cast out truth-telling Spirit. Lying spirits 1 Kings 22:19-23 Micaiah is asked by King Ahab of Israel to inquire of the Lord about going to battle.

What is more dangerous a clock that is 1 minute behind or 7 hours ahead? It’s the one that’s close.

Tip: If it feels off or just doesn’t seem right, be like the Bereans searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. Acts 17:11 Learn to trust the Spirit’s voice. If it feels off, question. Holy Spirit will teach you all things.

What is the spirit behind the message?

S - Secure the position (2 Peter 1:4 vs 2:19)

The true Christian "escapes the corruption in the world caused by evil desires" (1:4). Listen to how Peter describes the counterfeit Christian: "They promise ... freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity, for a person is a slave to whatever has mastered them” (2:19).

The true believer is escaping corruption, while the counterfeit believer is mastered by it.

As Christians our journey is to become more and more and more like Jesus.

In Philippians 2 Paul outlines Christ attitudes and these help us discern what teaching to listen to.

1. Does the teaching tell me to compete or do something because I think I deserve it?

Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves (NIV)

2. Does this teaching put me or others first?

Philippians 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (NIV)

3. Is this teaching me to be more, or teaching me to be more like Jesus?

Philippians 2:5-7 “Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing...” (NIV)

Tip: Watch for anything that speaks to your fallen nature. That is who you were, But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 Everything has changed for you (2 Corinthians 5:17). Live up to what you’ve already attained (Philippians 3:16).

In what position will the message leave you?

C - Care about character (2 Peter 1:5 vs 2:14)

The true believer pursues goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love (1:5). The counterfeit Christian is marked by arrogance and slander (2:10). They are "experts in greed" and "their eyes are full of adultery" (2:14). They also "despise authority" (2:10). This is a general characteristic of a counterfeit believer.

Relationship is so important. We live in a world of headlines, sound bites and 1 minute videos. Context is critical and the context of a person is their character.

Disclaimer about viral clips

Disclaimer: You might have seen our short - 60 second or less clips on social media. We use a program that has an AI produce the “Most potentially Viral” parts of our messages. Basically it stops us short so what we say in the clip is controversial (Or heresy).

Let me give you an example… the clip cut me off saying “…and Jesus didn’t come and die on the cross..” I caught that one and expanded the clip so it included the full thought “…and Jesus didn’t come and die on the cross so we could gather together and look at the back of each other’s head”.

I’m not worried about people who know us and know our hearts hearing ai generated heresy. I suspect you’ll follow the link to full message and see it in context. I am concerned with people who don’t know us passing judgment without context or worse being trained on sound bites.

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:7–9 NLT)

Tip: Context is critical and the context of a person is their character.

What kind of people does the message produce?

E - Elicit the appeal (2 Peter 1:19 vs 2:18)

The true teacher appeals to Scripture. "We have the word of the prophets made more certain and you will do well to pay attention to it" (1:19). God has spoken, and the true teacher appeals to his Word. The false teacher makes a rather different appeal: "By appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error" (2:18).

So the true teacher asks, "What has God said in his Word?" The false teacher asks, "What will appeal to their flesh?"

The essence of solid teaching lies in focusing on what God has revealed in His Word rather than catering to the desires of people. The true teacher seeks to understand and communicate the truths found in Scripture, aligning their teachings with the principles and messages conveyed by God.

On the other hand, the false teacher prioritizes pleasing the audience by saying what they want to hear, often appealing to their worldly desires and interests. This contrast highlights the importance of grounding teachings in the divine wisdom of the Bible rather than catering to human preferences and inclinations.

Remember wisdom

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere. James 3:17

Tip: Look for wisdom from above and avoid appeals based on lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life.

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. (1 John 2:16-17 NLT)

Is the message wisdom from above or does it appeal to base desires?

R - Reason the results (2 Peter 1:8 vs 2:17)

The true believer is effective and productive in his or her knowledge of Jesus Christ (1:8). The counterfeit is "like a spring without water" (2:17).

What a metaphor! They promise much but produce little.

My Uncle Gordon would often say, “Is this going to matter in 100 years?” Most things wouldn’t matter in 2 months. A few would matter for generations. The things that mattered for generations are the things I’ve learned to confront.

Wisdom is from above. Wisdom is discerned by us together. None of us have the corner on wisdom, but together we see His wisdom more clearly. We need each other so much more than our culture teaches us and more than most of the evangelical world is even aware of.

It’s not “Me and Jesus, it’s Us and Christ. When Christ calls you to Himself, He calls you to community.

Tip: Stick with people of wisdom. Ask them what they discern.

What result does the message have in people's lives?

N - Narrow to the end (2 Peter 1:11 vs 2:1,3)

Here we find the most disturbing contrast of all. The true believer will receive "a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1:11). The false believer will experience "swift destruction" (2:1). "Their condemnation has long been hanging over them and their destruction has not been sleeping" (2:3).

Remember what we can learn from Philippians 2.

Paul outlines Christ attitudes and these help us discern what teaching to listen to.

1. Does the teaching tell me to compete or do something because I think I deserve it?

Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves (NIV)

2. Does this teaching put me or others first?

Philippians 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the

interests of others (NIV)

3. Is this teaching me to be more, or teaching me to be more like Jesus?

Philippians 2:5-7 “Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing...” (NIV)

Tip: Line the attitude of any teaching with the attitude of Christ.

It is God’s will for you to become more and more like Jesus. That’s the good He works all things together for.

Where does the message ultimately lead?

We need to Learn to DISCERN False Teaching

D - Define the source
Is it in the Book or is it made up stories or does it cherry pick truth and misapply it?

I - Identify the message
What is the spirit behind the message?

S - Secure the position
In what position will the message leave someone?

C - Care about character
What kind of people does the message produce?

E - Elicit the appeal
Is the message wisdom from above or does it appeal to base desires?

R - Reason the results
What result does the message have in people's lives?

N - Narrow to the end
Where does the message ultimately lead?

But let’s say the teaching is false. What do we do then?

That’s a great question and one we’ll most likely need to deal with at some time.

What to do about a false teacher?

This is not if you disagree with something someone taught. It’s when you hear false teaching and you’ve run it through the matrix from 2 Peter 1 and 2 and so you know it’s false.

You need to ACT

ACT to Confront a False Teacher

A - Assess your Role Matthew 18:15-18
C - Choose your time 2 Timothy 2:24-26
T - Treat with Love 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Let's unpack...

A - Assess your role

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:15-18 (NIV)

The passage in Matthew is where Jesus taught excommunication. Excommunication is the response to unrepentant false teaching. It’s what Paul did to Hymanuaeus and Alexander who have shipwrecked their faith

Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. 1 Timothy 1:20 (NIV)

Excommunication in Relationship

Excommunication cannot happen without relationship. Back in 1054 the Pope in Rome and the Patriarch in Constantinople excommunicated each other. Bad things happen when excommunication is done outside of real relationship.

Are you in relationship? If you are, you have a responsibility to confront. The pattern through it Jesus already gave.

Step one - Go yourself,

Step two - take one or two,

Step three - bring before the church.

How you do those steps I’ll get into in a bit.

If you’re in relationship, you have a responsibility.

There are some things that are debatable that doesn’t lead people away from God and won’t matter in 100 years, I don’t worry about arguing with people who can be wrong and it doesn’t affect where they’re spending eternity. If it will dangerously distort their or others view of God and lead them away from becoming more like Jesus, and I’m in relationship with them I need to follow Jesus’ instructions Step one - Go yourself, Step two - take one or two, Step three - bring before the church.

But if you’re not in relationship with the false teacher, ignore the false doctrine. It’s not your place to put someone else in their place.

Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. (Romans 14:4 NLT)

If you’re not in a relationship, you’re not in a place to judge a person. You can judge a thought or way of thinking of course.

But there is a huge difference between judging a false teacher and judging a false teaching.

Never mix those two up.

If a teaching is dangerous, you can do a blog or video post or write a book about what the teaching is and why it’s so wrong. Don’t bring in where you heard it from, Don’t set up straw men and knock down. Stick to what the Bible actually says, stay away from personal attacks.

Tip: Turn it off, skip the podcast, unsubscribe. Don’t do drive by’s. You don’t need to leave a snarky comment why it’s so wrong. But if it’s in you - be diligent in teaching the word.

And understand that teaching may not have the same effect as a teacher. It is a longer road to travel. It probably doesn’t need to be confronted as much a teacher—that you’re in relationship with—would need to be.

Is this relationship worth the risk or is worth cutting off?

C - Choose your Time

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NLT)

You’re not in the right place if you enjoy putting someone in there place. To knock someone off their high horse, you have to be on your own high horse. If it doesn’t hurt you to confront someone it’s not the time to confront them.

Galatians 6:1-3 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

Tip: Ask questions to understand, not set up and don’t demand answers.

This is not about putting off what needs to be done. It’s about God working on you before you do more damage.

Will this hurt me to confront?

T - Treat with Love

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT)

Discernment without love is criticism. Do everything in love. Ask for wisdom and you’ll get wisdom (James 1:5).

When Jesus addressed the church in Ephesus in the book of Revelation he said they had all the right theology but lost their first love. If they didn’t repent and do what they did at first he would remove their lamp stand. Love is so important for us.

Wisdom is not to be neglected. When wisdom is rejected love can be defined as anything.

“When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.” 1 Corinthians 2:13 NLT

Tip: Speak with God’s wisdom. Remember wisdom that comes from above…is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere (James 3:17).

What does love look like in this situation?

Recap…

A - Assess your Role Matthew 18:15-18

Is this relationship worth the risk or is worth cutting off?

C - Choose your Time 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Will this hurt me to confront?

T - Treat with Love 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

What does love look like in this situation?

Warning for False Teaching

So that’s How to Tell a False Teaching and what to do with a False Teacher. It’s a message packed with a lot. But I knew it was one that had to get out. It is not a message to give in the middle of a mess. But it is one to build a firm foundation with.

The problem with a message like this is that I’m only addressing one part of the tripart equation in all of this. Yes, it’s up to the speaker to prepare, but it’s never as important as what Holy Spirit speaks through what we offer and the same seed gets scattered on the the soil with weeds and the rocky soil and the good soil. We are personally responsible when we hear the message a teacher or Holy Spirit speaks to have receptive hearts.

Our Responsibility

Listen to what Paul told Timothy:

2 Timothy 4:2-5 (NLT) Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

What I’ve taught you—if you only partially apply it—will lead to justifying itching ears. Make sure you don’t have itching ears.

Be diligent. Be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11). ACT in love.

God will enable you to live a life worthy of his call and give you the power to accomplish all the good works your faith prompts you to do. So that the name of our Lord Jesus will be honoured because of the way you live, and you will be honoured along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 ). He makes all things beautiful in their time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). He will finish the good work He’s started in you (Philippians 1:6).

You will learn to discern false teaching

Can I pray?

Pray for people of Issachar to rise up, understand the times and know what to do. Wisdom and grace to abound.

Next Step to Discern False Teaching...

Why we all need Discernment Today

We live in a world where we are drowning in information and starving for wisdom. It used to be if you could find it in a book you could quote it as fact. But facts have been replaced by opinion and now it’s the one who shouts the loudest and most often that define the truth of that opinion. But you and I were made to not conform but be transformed by the renewing on our minds.  We should be like the people of Issachar who understood the times and knew what to do.  Move from wondering about God's will to becoming a person of wisdom others look for answers from. Learn more at https://revtrev.link/discern

Learn more at https://revtrev.link/discern

Discerning the ALIAS of my Emotions Tool

What would it feel like to experience the truth of scripture in our emotions and what if peace ruled your heart? What if you trusted God to empower you with every good work prompted by faith? And what if you knew you lived with his yoke that is easy and a burden that is light?

You would need to discern what your emotions are telling you. I've got a tool for that.

Trevor H Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca and the Chief Storyteller at https://revtrev.com. Subscribe and set notifications on https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

Listen to Discerning the ALIAS of my Emotions Tool

Listen to more episodes and subscribe where you listen to podcasts https://revtrev.com/radio

Watch the replay of Discerning the ALIAS of my Emotions Tool

Subscribe and set notifications on YouTube https://revtrev.com/tv

Read the notes from Discerning the ALIAS of my Emotions Tool

Discerning the ALIAS of my Emotions Tool

You need to know how to discern what your emotions are telling you. And yes, it's time for a tool.

This is the discerning by emotion tool and we call it... ALIAS is the acronym. I don't know why I settle on acronyms, but I like them for tools.

How do we discern our emotions?

First one is ask God to ask Holy Spirit to reveal hidden sins. Do I say I believe something about you that I don't really believe? "You know God, I haven't had peace this past week. Why am I not trusting you?" "What do I say that I believe about you that I really don't believe?" The great news is Holy Spirit will show you. He loves to show us that. He will show you that. Be keen to listen.

The next part.

Look, the L is Look. Look to see what he will say. That's from Habakkuk 2:1 God tells Habakkuk to look to hear what he will... Look to see... that's from Habakkuk 2:1 The way that I use that verse is in conversational journaling. I write down a question for God. I'm in the flow of Holy Spirit. I am in his presence. And I ask him a question and then write down his response. I don't worry about it lining up with scripture. I don't worry about it aligning with my thoughts. I'm just writing as it comes to me. Afterwards I'll take that and make sure it lines up with scripture. I'll take that and make sure it lines up with the nature of God. I've been doing it for so many years. When I started, I would bring it to someone who is wiser than me and get his input on it. But I generally will do that if it's something really that I think is from God but isn't.

But...I've learned to trust that.

And it's given me great peace and an easy yoke, by the way.

Anyway,

Number three - Inquire: You ask Holy Spirit what lie you're believing. And that's a great way to do it if you're conversational journaling, "What lie am I believing?" "Why do I feel like I can't trust you to take care of this God?" "Why do I feel like I've got to do this on my own?" "Why do I feel like I'm not supported in this?" "Why?" Holy Spirit will show you.

The next phase...

You agree - with the lie you're believing. This is the confession and repentance part; confession is agreeing with God with the truth he reveals to you. That's confession. Repentance is turning around and doing the exact opposite. You can do that with Holy Spirit's help.

The S:

Final is Seek Him. And ask him for the truth if he wants you to know.

Often how this breaks down is you may have an image: "What lie are you believing?" Well, "When did I start believing that lie?" He'll take you to a memory. In that memory what's going on? Let me look. "Let me see what's going on God." What's happening in that memory? OK, "God, where are you in that memory?" "What's the truth of this that you're showing me?"

And when he reveals the truth of those situations.... those memories he wants to heal, those things that we are believing not because of this incident but because of something that happened years ago....

The interesting thing that I've found working with people around forgiveness is sometimes people can decide to forgive and they feel like they've forgiven the person. Other times they make the decision to forgive and they don't feel like they've forgiven until they actually bless the other person. Whether that's saying a blessing or if it's a safe situation they can go back and go and actually do something to bless that person—whatever Holy Spirit's telling them to do—and as long as their emotions—they're back—it's OK.

They feel like they've forgiven them.

Still other people make the decision; they do that action they bless—and yet they can't get over it; they don't feel like they've forgiven.

The only solution I've come up with is to use this tool and allow Holy Spirit to use this tool and get to the place where he will heal those former offenses that we have not forgiven. Remarkable things happen when that happens.

Other times people give up because they say they've forgiven someone and they don't feel like they've forgiven. And they take the next step and they bless someone but they don't feel like they've forgiven. And they don't know what to do for the next step—to actually feel like they've forgiven someone.

I've been talking about forgiveness, but this can happen for anything that's going on. Generally, it's a forgiveness issue.

But,

you know, we pick up offenses all the time. We pick up things that sometimes it's from good people who want us to succeed, and other times it's from evil people who want to do us harm. Sometimes it's from neglectful people who let us go.

But all of us are wounded and all of us need healing.

We need to allow Holy Spirit to heal us. We need well-healed wounds. Hurt people hurt people, but healed people heal people. And you and I need to be healed so we can help heal those around us.

So peace needs to rule our hearts, but every emotion will show us what we really believe. If you use this tool, you can find out. Let God heal those things that don't line up with the truth of scripture, those emotions that don't line up with the truth of scripture. And it'll revolutionize your life. It will transform you with Holy Spirit's help. So I would encourage you to do that. And I want to challenge you. Will you allow peace to rule and insist that the rest of your emotions serve you by showing you what you really believe? Can I pray for you?

Challenge

Will you allow peace to rule and insist that the rest of your emotions need to serve you?​

Next Steps

Check out the Live LIGHT Above the Negavity Course https://revtrev.link/bless

Live LIGHT Above the Negativity Course

Move from being easily regularly frustrated, usually feeling busy, often afraid or easily angered TO having peace at all times and in every situation.

https://revtrev.link/bless

Learn to discern -Live Loved so you can learn to discern

You can learn to discern. How can we call it discernment if our actions and decision don’t reflect the nature of Christ? As you grow in Him, you will discern more and more of His will. Learn how you can become more and more like Jesus starting today. Learn more at http://revtrev.link/discern

Watch How to Live Loved so you can learn to discern

Learn more at http://revtrev.link/discern

Listen to How to Live Loved so you can learn to discern

Learn more at http://revtrev.link/discern

Read How to Live Loved so you can learn to discern

Problem

Discernment without love is criticism. You’re not in the right place if you enjoy putting someone else in their place. When you’re ready to knock someone off their high horse, remember you’re all ready on your high horse.

If you were to look up discernment online, most of the teaching you’ll find ignore that truth. Almost everyone who teaches on discernment has a list of rules for you to follow if you want to be deemed worthy. Being “worthy” means you have the right to condemn others.

Please don’t think I’m giving you a list of rules. I’m showing you that you can’t do it without Holy Spirit’s help.

Does this really matter?

John 3:16-17 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:14

We need to live loved so we can learn to discern because the more we are with God the more we live like God and wisdom and knowledge come from Him.

Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom: out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.

What does it mean to live loved?

To live loved means that we’re loved…

and the fact we’re loved by God is most important.

John 16:27, Romans 5:8, 1 John 3:1; 4:10;19, Revelation 1:5

Because God’s love for us surpasses knowledge

Ephesians 3:17-19

and nothing can separate us from His love…

Romans 8:35-39

…remembering God is love and love comes from God

1 John 4:7-8;16

…and he disciplines those He loves.

Hebrews 12:6; Revelation 3:19

To live loved means that we love God…

…with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength.

Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27

…more than the earliest, dearest and nearest love.

Matthew 10:37, Luke 14:25

…more than anything else in this world.

Matthew 6:24,Luke 16:13, 1 John 2:15

and show it by obeying Jesus…

John 14:15, John 14:21, John 14:23, John 15:10, 1 John 4:18-22, 1 John 2:3-5, 1 John 3:10 , 1 John 3:23, 1 John 5:2-3, 2 John 1:6

…helping his people

Hebrews 6:10, 1 John 3:11,17-18

…caring for the least of these

Matthew 25:32-40

and seeking His Kingdom in all things…

Matthew 6:33

Knowing we’re promised a crown of life….

James 1:12

To live loved means we love in action and truth

Our motivation is love…

1 Corinthians 16:14, 2 Corinthians 5:14, Galatians 5:6, Colossians 3: 17

Our labour is prompted by love…

1 Thessalonians 1:3

We’re generous…

2 Corinthians 8:7-8

We speak the truth in love…
Ephesians 4:15

We walk in love…

Ephesians 5:1

We grow in love…

Philippians 1:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:10

We keep ourselves in God’s love…

Jude 1:21

We have peace and are thankful…

Colossians 3:14-15

We find comfort in love…

Philippians 2:1

Our love springs from hope…

Colossians 1:5

We have compassion, kindness, humility and patience

Colossians 3:12

To live loved means we love each other

We love each others as we love ourselves…

Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8, 1 John 4:10-11; 2 John 1:5

Because He first loved us…

1 John 4:19-20

Our love is sincere, we’re devoted to one another with brotherly love and honour one another above ourselves...

Romans 12:9-10

We share with God’s people who are in need and practice hospitality…

Romans 12:13

We forgive…

Colossians 3:13-14

We are patient, kind. We don’t envy, don’t boast and are not proud…

1 Corinthians 13:4

We are not rude, we’re not self-seeking, we’re not easily angered…

1 Corinthians 13:5

We keep no record of wrong…

1 Corinthians 13:5

We always protect, always trust, always hope and always persevere.

1 Corinthians 13:7

We are united together

John 17:23

And can’t be motivated by fear

1 John 4:18

love covers a multitude of sins

1 Peter 4:8

The only debt that remains outstanding is our debt to love one another…

Romans 13:8

To live loved means we love even our enemies

We don’t take revenge…

Romans 12:19

If our enemy is hungry we feed them or thirsty we give them something to drink…

Romans 12:20

We bless those who curse us…

Luke 6:28

We pray for those who persecute us…

Matthew 5:44

If someone strikes one cheek, we turn the other to them…

Matthew 5:39

We represent our Father who is love and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous…

Matthew 5:45

We can’t live that way without Holy Spirit. We can’t do that without spiritual maturity. We can’t do that without perfect love… Remember perfect love is that love that comes from God and flows from us to others. We can’t do it in our strength. We need that constant flow from him.

What if?

What would it be like to have this flow of love going through you, not just on special occasions, but every day in the day to day of everyday. That is what you were created for. That is still God’s plan for you.

What does LOVE Look Like Now tool

This tool helps answer the question in the moment. How do you discern what’s best when someone with discernment isn’t using it in love?

What does love look like?

LOVE

L - Learn what love is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 1 John 3:17,Romans 12:10

O - Obey the greater love John 15:13

V - Value Grace Mark 12:30-31

E - Elevate the Conversation Ephesians 4:15

L - Learn what love is

Love is a choice…

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Agapeo

Love is an action…

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 1 John 3:17

Agapeo

Love is an emotion…

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10

Phileo

Am I loving with my whole heart?

O - Obey the greater love

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

We are to:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 NIVUK

Am I laying down my life?

V - Value Grace

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

The grace we get from God needs to be the grace we share with others.

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. 1 Corinthians 15:10 NIVUK

Am I showing the grace God has shown me?

E - Elevate the Conversation

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15

All of us want to speak truth. The hard part—the part we can’t do without the help of Holy Spirit— is to speak the truth in love.

Tip: Ask honest questions. Seek to build up, not tear down. Listen to understand, not to figure out how to rebut.

How do I speak the truth in love?

L - Learn what love is

Am I loving with my whole heart?

O - Obey the greater love

Am I laying down my life?

V - Value Grace

Am I showing the grace God has shown me?

E - Elevate the Conversation

How do I speak the truth in love?

Discernment comes when we learn to love always. Grace allows and empowers us to do that. Will you use this tool instead of reacting to situations that come up? Will you remember the phrase - What does love look like?

How to be confident you are being led by Holy Spirit

If you find yourself doubting you are being by Holy Spirit, you'll feel like you are on a wave in the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. Thankfully, there are ways we can be confident even when we don't see the next step in the staircase. Learn How to be confident you are being led by Holy Spirit in the message

Watch How to be confident you are being led by Holy Spirit

Watch more and subscribe on YouTube https://revtrev.com/tv

Listen to How to be confident you are being led by Holy Spirit

Listen to more podcasts and Subscribe at https://revtrev.com/radio

Read about How to be confident you are being led by Holy Spirit

Learn more about the Live LIGHT Learn to Discern Course here http://revtrev.link/discern or get all the courses and all the resources and the full community on Live Live LIGHT Academy by joining the Live LIGHT Pathway http://revtrev.link/pathway

I hope we all have had times when we consider if we have have misheard God.

Yes. You heard me right.

If you have never thought that you miss-sensed Holy Spirit’s leading in your life, you been living a life God has not called you to - either that, or you are very young or a brand new baby Christian.

Faith is an action and we spell faith - R -I-S-K.

Boundaries

We have boundaries — don’t do the things you’re not supposed to do and don’t not do the good things you are supposed to do. Those are sins of commission and sins of omission. Between those two extremes, we have a lot of latitude to do the good we ought to do.

Questions of life

What are you supposed to do with your life?

Love God and love others so they can love God and love others.

What job should I do?

Whatever you’re good at or could learn to do but as you do that - love God and love others so thy can love God and love others.

Who should I marry?

Anyone you want - who loves God and loves others so they can love God and love others - so that both of you and your kids and grandkids can love God and love others so they can love God and love others.

But what does that look like?

Ah… that’s where we need the leading of Holy Spirit.

• We need to be led by Holy Spirit when we drive in Edmonton traffic.
• We need to be led and empowered by Holy Spirit when we go shopping at Walmart.
• We need to be led and empowered and encouraged and taught and instructed and enabled by Holy Spirit in the day-to-day of our everyday.

And Holy Spirit will lead us to walk by faith and not sight.

And when we are walking by faith not by sight there will be times when we may think we may have misheard what Holy Spirit said.

My Journey to Learn Real Faith

God taught me to live by faith when we felt Him ask us to lay our family, our friends, our finances and our future on the altar and leave a church we loved and move to New Zealand without a reason beyond obedience. And the month after we resigned my Dad was diagnosed with Bulbar ALS.

We went with open hands. But I expected open heavens to follow.

I don’t know what open heaven means to you. But I don’t think we experienced it outright.

We arrived January 1, 2005 6:00 AM at Auckland New Zealand. It was a city of million people. And almost all of them were at the beach. We had a friend come from the beach and meet us at the airport, drive down empty 4 lane freeways, and let us in the house to sleep and recover from the flight. He then told us how to get the beach in a couple days and went back to the beach.

I thought I knew faith when I went out with open hands. I can’t say I knew faith until a couple years later when I learned to live unoffended at God.

How I felt when I lived offended at God

I understood Jeremiah’s lament:

Jeremiah 20:7 (HCSB) You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived. You seized me and prevailed. I am a laughingstock all the time; everyone ridicules me.

I felt like God set me up.

I had people come to me and say ,“You used to be someone, what happened?” I had a pastor tell me, “You can’t call yourself RevTrev - you’re not a pastor.” A friend said, “God would not call you to leave everything behind and do something so reckless when you have small children.”

I couldn’t learn faith until I learned I was offended at God and learned how to live unoffended at God.

By the way, Holy Spirit led me through each of those encounters and was light and life for me in the moment.

When I was told — I spontaneously responded with

“You used to be someone, what happened? — “With God you can’t lose.”

“You can’t call yourself RevTrev - you’re not a pastor.” — “Yet His gifts and His calls are irrevocable. Maybe it has more to do with me being a gift to the church than it does with me holding a position. By the way, I have more people come to my website every day than I’ve ever spoke to at one event, and I’ve been asked to speak at some pretty impressive events.”

“God would not call you to leave everything behind and do something so reckless when you have small children.” — “Yet God asked Abraham to put Issac on the altar and He’s the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob - He thinks generationally and so I have withhold judgment on this.”

I don’t know what you’ve been though. I know you have your own story.

With the knowledge you had at the time, you did what you thought would please God and it did not work out they way you expected.

This could be in a marriage relationship. It might be in a business relationship. It could be in a job that disappeared. It might be in an investment that didn’t pay out. It could be in a body that gets sick. It might be relationship that seems to only cause you pain.

Maybe you even had Job’s friends come by to tell you what you did wrong.

You need to know what Isaiah said about the coming Messiah:

Isaiah 42:3 He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick; He will faithfully bring justice.

He is for you and not against you. And since God is for you, what can be against you? It’s not death or life, or angels or demons, it’s not your fears for today or your worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate you from God.

That’s not what I’m talking about today. But you need to know He is for you before you can be confident you’re being led by Holy Spirit.

Why is it important to be led by the Spirit?

7 reasons we should be led by Holy Spirit

1. It shows we belong to God

Romans 8:9 NLT But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)

2. It shows we’re children of God

Romans 8:14 NLT For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

3. It brings us life and peace

Romans 8:6 NLT So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

4. Holy Spirit teaches all things and reminds us what Jesus said

John 14:26 NLT But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

5. Holy Spirit guides us into all truth and tells us about the future

John 16:13 NLT When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

6. Holy Spirit leads us on firm footing

Psalm 143:10 NLT Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

7. Holy Spirit reveals spiritual understanding

1 Corinthians 2:14 NLT But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.

We need to be led by Holy Spirit.

How to be confident that you are being led by Holy Spirit

PEACE

P - Pray with Holy Spirit Romans 8:26-27

E - Enjoy God as Father Galatians 4:6

A - Aspire to let His Word remain in you John 14:26

C - Cease grieving Holy Spirit Romans 8:5

E - Embrace the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:19 - 25; 2 Timothy 1:7

P - Pray with Holy Spirit

Romans 8:26-27 NLT And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

It might be praying in tongues. It might mean trusting God knows and cares about those things that you can’t express in words. All we know is God’s grace empowers us to accomplish what we can’t do on our own and Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and we’re told to always pray and never give up.

If you want to keep in step with Holy Spirit, you need to always pray and never give up.

Do I pray with Holy Spirit?

E - Enjoy God as Father

Galatians 4:6 NLT And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”

Do you enjoy God as Father? If not, learn to live unoffended at Him.

HEAL

H - Hasten health - know that gratitude leads to well-healed wounds. Romans 8:28

I take thoughts captive, I tear down strongholds, I demolish arguments.

Am I choosing to give thanks in all circumstances?

E - Elevate stress - look to what He’s doing and not to what’s left undone. Philippians 4:8

I will not give God credit for the works of the one who comes to kill steal and destroy.

Am I choosing to fix my thoughts on the good?

A - Agree to trust - give up your right to understand so that you can have the peace that surpasses understanding. Philippians 4:6

I will treat all hardship as discipline knowing He will work all things together for good.

Am I giving up my peace or my problems?

L - Lower your guard - Let Him be the potter and understand that you are the clay. Jeremiah 18:6

I will worry about nothing, pray about everything and thank Him in all things because He cares for me.

Am I able to trust He will work all things together for good?

You can have well-healed wounds. You can trust Him to heal you.

Do I enjoy God as Father?

A - Aspire to let His Word remain in you

John 14:26 NLT But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Joshua 1:8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

If not, let the word read you. Jesus said (John 15:7) But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

Do I meditate on the Word?

C - Cease grieving Holy Spirit

Ephesians 4:30 NLT And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Romans 8:5 NLT Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.

Romans 8:13 NLT For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.

It’s about Love

It’s not about having a list of things you don’t do. It is about loving God and loving others so they can love God and love others. Is love the main thing for you?

John 15:9-12 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

Jesus talks about such love in Matthew 5:46, “If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?”

Jesus also reminds us to imitate God’s posture towards others in Luke 6:35-36, “for he (God) is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”

In Romans 2:4, Paul asked Roman Christians to reflect God’s example in loving those who make life choices that lead to sin: “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”

Since God’s kindness leads people to repentance, my kindness lead people to God

You are the only Jesus most people will see. How you treat those who love you and how you respond to those who

Am I grieving Holy Spirit?

E - Embrace the fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:19 - 25 NLT When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

If not, nail your passions and desires to the cross. Holy Spirit empowers you to accomplish every good work prompted by faith and that includes nailing your passions and desires of the sinful nature to His cross.

In faith put to death the things that don’t belong.

In faith you bear the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Would others say you have power, love and sound judgment?

Those are other fruit the Spirit grows in us:

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

Does my fruit show I am being led by Holy Spirit?

How can be confident you are being led by Holy Spirit?

Do you know PEACE?

P - Pray with Holy Spirit Romans 8:26-27

E - Enjoy God as Father Galatians 4:6

A - Aspire to let His Word remain in you John 14:26

C - Cease grieving Holy Spirit Romans 8:5

E - Embrace the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:19 - 25; 2 Timothy 1:7

Galatians 5:25-26 (MSG) Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.