2 Peter 2:17-18
These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error.

False teachers are a dime a dozen. They stand tall with stage presence. Their presentation is engaging. Their message is wrapped in an attractive package. But at the end of the day, the attractive package is empty, like “waterless springs.” The stage presence is backed by pride, and the message engages hearers by appealing to the “sensual passions of the flesh.”

A culture obsessed with appearance and enthralled by high-tech media presentations (the edgier, the better) is ripe for imposters. Someone well said that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but in today’s culture, the cover and the brand are as far as most people will look. That mindset is dangerous when you buy a car or computer. But it is eternally devastating when you buy into a false philosophy and theology.

There is only one remedy for spiritual naiveté. Reading, studying, and applying God’s Word. You need to take time to meditate and memorize Scripture. You must immerse your mind in the truth. When you have a grasp on the genuine, you’ll be able to spot a counterfeit.

Father, give us the desire and discipline to be in your Word every day. Help us make the time for spiritual food, just as we make time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As we read and study your Word, help us to grasp and apply the genuine. In Jesus’ name. Amen.