“Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 13:3

God warns His people that, should a prophet arise who would lead them away from God and the truth of His Word — even if he should do signs and wonders — they should not listen to that prophet but testify against him that he might be removed from among Gods people. Even if it is one’s spouse or close family member, God’s people were to bear witness against them that they might be put to death for their false teaching.

But why would God allow false prophets to arise in the first place? Why does He still permit erring teachers to arise in the visible church of our day to proclaim their erring views and mislead God’s people and cause divisions among us?

As the Bible teaches, it is a test of our faith. “The LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”

It was difficult for believers in Old Testament Israel to hand over those who erred and spread false ideas and erring doctrine — especially when it was a close friend or companion (cf. Deut. 13:5ff.) — and they often failed to do so, leading to their fall. And, it is difficult today to practice what Jesus and His apostles have commanded in regard to those who teach or advance erring doctrines (1 Tim. 6:3-5; Rom. 16:17-18; Eph. 5:11; Matt. 7:15ff.). It’s hard to rebuke sin and error, and even harder when we must mark and avoid those who cause divisions in the church with their erring doctrine or sinful lives.

But remember that “the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”

St. Paul writes: “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” (1 Cor. 11:19).

Do you love the LORD God enough to hold fast to Him and His Word even when friends and close family members support erring views and teachings? Do you “love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul”?

Who comes first in your life? The LORD God and His Word or earthly affiliations?

O God, graciously keep me in Your truth and grant me the strength to hold fast to You and Your Word at all times for You have “the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). I ask this for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

[Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.]