Test the Experts

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 ESV

In an article titled “Is Running in Shorts in the Winter Bad for Your Knees?” posted by Runner’s World last week, the writer said: While charging down the snow-dusted path in denial of the changing seasons, I can’t ignore the dull ache I feel in my knees every run. It started as a small bother and morphed into a full-blown, “But am I actually doing irreparable damage by running in shorts in this bone-chilling cold?” To find out if I should change my wardrobe (and add running with a five-inch inseam mid-winter to my growing list of poor life decisions), I spoke with two experts: Shane M. Davis, MD, and William C. Updegrove, PT, DPT. And this is some of what the experts had to say… Davis compared cold’s effects on tissues to the elasticity of a rubber band. Just as stretching a rubber band in the cold will cause it to snap, this lack of flexibility can lead to performance decrements or even potentially a slightly increased risk of injury if you’re not adequately warmed up and protected. And while the ‘experts’ went on to list a few more culprits that could be causing our knees to ache, the consensus was clear… warm muscles and tendons perform better, feel better, and are at a decreased risk of injury. Which means it’s a good idea to don pants or capris when the mercury plummets. 

And you know, when it comes to good ideas, the Bible is very clear that it’s not only a good idea but it’s imperative that Christians “not believe every spirit” but test them to see if they are truly from God. In other words, you and I are not to blindly accept all spiritual claims even if they come from the ‘experts’— or those professing to be true preachers of the Word who are really one of the “many false prophets” Jesus said we would encounter instead, men and women who profess to follow Christ but deny and distort the Truths laid out in Scripture. 

So don’t be shy about checking the source, content, and accuracy of any person’s teaching when it comes to the Gospel my friend. Many ungodly people will come and try to lead us astray with false doctrine—and will succeed if we don’t do our due diligence. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for warning us that false prophets would be on the rise as the Day of your return draws ever closer. Lord help us to guard our hearts and minds by being skeptical of every teaching that even remotely deviates from the Bible and give us the courage to warn others who might be duped and be led astray by lies. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!