STAY AWAY- DON'T USE YOUR SIEVE

In my few years in the faith, I have observed the nature of heresy. One thing I noticed about heresy is that it is infectious, highly infectious. It spreads like gangrene. It has a way of penetrating into people who get exposed to it long enough till they become attuned to it. I have heard alot of folks talk about "sieving" what they hear from the pulpit and weighing whatever they hear with the truth they already know. This presupposes that they'll continue to expose themselves to anything and they'll keep sieving out errors all the time. This sounds like common sense but it lacks bible sense in a way. I don't know how long you'll always have to "sieve" to get the right stuff. You see, when it comes to heresy, the bible didn't say you should sieve it, the opening text clearly states that you stay away from whatever is contrary to what you have been taught. Does that sound harsh? That's sanctified wisdom.

Oftentimes, we try to meander and find our way round these things. When we clearly know that the preacher is known for constant heresies, anti biblical practices or we know that a book contains so many spiritual toxins, instead of staying away as the bible enjoined, many will still take their "sieve" with them. They forget so easily that it is not in one single exposure to error that one buys into it. It takes constant and consistent exposure to imbibe error. We cannot be wiser than the scriptural admonition that tells us to stay away. There are meetings you should not attend, there are books you should not read. Staying away from people who teach contrary to the truth is not hatred, it is the best form of love and care you can show to them and to your spiritual health. Knowing the doctrinal stand of some ministers, I won't bother feasting on their teachings neither will they have a place to teach or preach for me. Inviting such persons will be a disservice to God's people. Sometimes, I've seen certain ministerial manipulations in the way some persons invite guests or organize programs. Why bring two to three different speakers with divergent doctrinal persuasions to teach in the same conference meeting? To attract crowd or what? You'll leave God's people confused that way.

There's a spiritual dimension to the issue of heresy. Apostle Paul who enjoined that we stay away from such also made it clear there's a spirit behind it: "Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons"(1 Tim 4:1 NLT). The reason heresy is infectious is simply because the spirit of deception is behind it. You don't expose yourself to teachings and ideas that are antibiblical and expect to manage it. A spiritual force field is created in any atmosphere of learning where you find yourself. The sole aim is to influence you till you accept what is taught so that it becomes a rule for living. Some persons wouldn't have been occultic and mystics if they hadn't exposed themselves to it. Same applies to homosexuals. That's why Satan keeps them in a community of closely knit likeminds so that they stay on the lies and deception of demons. Be wise.