My daughter Candace is a rock collector. She’s been picking up and pocketing rocks since she was 3 years old. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times her rock collection has been moved, but it’s been plenty. I must admit though, she has a pretty cool assortment.

When we built our home nine years ago, I didn’t have grandchildren, but I knew that I wanted pretty rocks about so that they could enjoy them as much as their Aunt Candy. There are little pockets about our home where rocks abound.

These areas bring great delight to my grandson, Percy. Upon their arrival to our house, he immediately goes to a rock bed and picks up a treasure. He brings it into the house and we talk about it a little. It then is placed in a little bowl that has become his “collection.” (this is exactly what Candace did.)

Last weekend, Candace and Percy were looking at his rocks when Candace noticed a unique stone. It didn’t look like a typical rock from our rock beds, but like something of real value. This was their conversation.

Candace: “I think this is petrified wood!”

Percy: “I think it’s a rock.”

Now, while I don’t believe Candace was trying to lead Percy astray, I think we can find some spiritual application in this conversation.

I have said it before and I will say it again. Study the Bible. Know what God’s Word says. Discern for yourself what Scripture is saying. There may, no, there will come a time when you need to know the Bible. Here’s why.

False teachers will show up. The Bible is filled with warnings about such teachers. This is a short list of these warnings. Romans 16:17; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1-3; Matthew 7:15-20; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; and 1 Timothy 6:20-21. Unless you know Scripture, you won’t be able to recognize false teaching.

Colossians 2:8 warns that we are not to be taken “captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.” And Paul urges us to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 – NIV) The only way to do either of these is to know God’s Word.

In a world of electronics, a physical Bible may not be needed. But I would also urge you to grab a Bible and know it. Know where specific books can be found. Memorize their order. That is part of “presenting ourselves” to God and to others. I would also encourage you to carry your Bible to church. Yes, the Scripture is probably going to be on the screen, but knowing that I’ve read it for myself in my own Bible makes a difference to me. It helps me to know that what is being taught in the message falls in line with God’s Word.

Let’s prepare ourselves now for those false teachers who show up and try to pull us away from God’s truth. Know God’s Word. Live God’s Word. Use God’s Word correctly.

I also think there is another way to look at this conversation between Candace and Percy. Candace knows rocks. She has looked at and studied rocks for years. Percy on the other hand has just begun his journey with geology. In this particular situation, I would call Candace a well-studied student and is able to speak into what this rock is. Percy? Well he’s just beginning and to him, it’s a rock, when in reality, there is something deeper to consider.

When you find a biblical scholar that you can trust and believe, believe it. After discernment, you will find those who know what God’s Word really says and you’ll be able to learn much from them. I have had so many of these scholars in my life and they have been my mentors. I pray that you are able to find a few of them on your spiritual journey.

I don’t know if this rock is petrified wood or not. To me, I think it’s a rock. But what I do know is that God’s Word holds life for me and each day I present myself to God as one prepared to handle God’s Word correctly. Would you care to join me?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna