by Melissa Sharp
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
In a story titled,”One Bad Tip Almost Sabotaged My Running,” published by Runner’s World, the writer recalled:
“Nine years ago, a stranger gave me the worst piece of running advice I’ve ever received. It only took one track race for me to realize just how bad the tip was.”
At only 15 years old, after finishing a 400-meter race, the writer was told by a random parent to lean back, stretch his legs far ahead, and pull himself forward with every step to lengthen his stride. Deep down, he felt the advice was wrong, but he ignored that gut check and tried it. The result? A disastrous, awkward race that convinced him never to use that form again.
I’ve been there too—taking in poor advice from strangers, friends, and even other believers. But over time, I’ve learned that the Holy Spirit gives me spiritual “gut checks” to serve as His warning not to blindly accept counsel. And that is exactly why Scripture commands us to “test the spirits, whether they are of God.” 1 John 4:1
False prophets don’t always arrive in pulpits with obvious heresy. Sometimes they show up in casual conversations, books, podcasts, or social media feeds—promoting carnal ideas, new-age philosophies, or cultural narratives that contradict God’s truth.
Listening to them never ends well.
The Bible counsels:
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20
God’s Word teaches us that the voices we follow shape our future. That’s why we must be deliberate about who we allow to influence us—choosing godly counselors who are walking faithfully with Christ. And even then, we are called to test their advice against God’s Word. The Bereans, in Acts 17:11, set an example for us:
“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”
They didn’t reject teaching outright, but they didn’t swallow it whole either. They examined it against Scripture.
The balance of humility and discernment is what protects us from deception.
So, my friend—choose your counselors carefully. And when the Holy Spirit nudges you with that uneasy sense, don’t ignore it. Test every teaching, every word of advice, and every “tip” against the Word of God. Giving someone the benefit of the doubt without Scripture and Holy Spirit discernment rarely goes well. That is why we must be constantly pursuing that third level of knowing God!
Reflection Thought
Whose voice carries the most weight in shaping my decisions—God’s Word, or the opinions of people I respect?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that never changes and for Your Spirit who warns us when something is not of You. Give me discernment, Lord, to recognize and reject teachings that do not align with Your truth. Help me surround myself with wise, godly counsel, and to point others toward Your Word when I see error. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Happy Running!
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
