Understanding Inspiration and Avoiding Manipulation
In my book When People Speak for God, one of the key issues I discuss is how one hears God’s word. One must test and discern when God is truly speaking. Claims are easy to make–people do so every day.
- The proposed course of action violates ethical or moral standards.
- “God’s words” come to a person in the course of debate.
- “God’s words” deny established scriptural standards.
- “God’s words” are presented in a divisive way, or introduce an element of divisiveness.
- The person who presents God’s word reacts angrily to having that word tested by others.
I list these and expand on them in the chapter of my book, Practical Considerations of Hearing. It is not enough for someone to think they have heard from God; what is said needs to be in accordance with good ethical principles and be verified.
A study of inspiration–how God speaks and reveals himself to people–can help you resist false claims and avoid manipulation.
(When People Speak for God is on sale this week, with autographced copies available for $15.00. Details here.)
