2 Kings 4:38-41 presents a story of some theological students who had a class with Elisha during a famine. After the school hours were over, Elisha asked them to prepare the largest pot and “boil stew,” raising the expectation of everyone.

But one of them went out in the field and brought wild gourds. The entire stew was contaminated, and nobody was able to eat it. “Man of God,” they told Elisha, “there is death in the pot.”

Lack of discernment is a severe problem of our time. Fake and manipulative news is not accidental anymore. The entertainment industry works overtime to destroy all moral values and common sense in society. Churches preach a diluted gospel to attract, entertain and offer false hope. Because of the spiritual famine, sincere but misleading individuals bring unbiblical and heretical doctrines or practices into the “common soup.”

Jesus told his disciples: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees” Matthew 16:6. A small portion of pharisaism can destroy the entire church.

What do you put in your pot? What do you bring to the church “potluck?” We may have the zeal and desire to contribute, but we need to be careful in choosing the source of spiritual food. Do not gather spiritual food from a “wild vine!” Jesus is “the True Vine” John 15:1.

In case something damaging happens, Jesus provides the “flower” that destroys the poison of sin. He is the Bread of Life.

Titus Naftanaila, President