How can we learn to know the difference?

As I was growing up, my family gleaned some of our food from nature. Hunting and fishing was the norm. One thing we enjoyed was wild mushrooms. The kind we gathered grew on dead logs and sides of trees. There were some that looked similar, but were not edible. We knew the difference.

I have a friend now who enjoys gathering the morel mushrooms that grow in our area. He brought one in recently to show a few of us who drink coffee together.

One person asked, “How do you know which ones you can eat?”

The answer is simple. You have to know the difference.

Well, how do you learn to know the difference? One way is by experimentation. If you eat one and don’t get sick, it is probably okay. However, if you eat some and do get sick, or even die — they’re probably poisonous. Experimentation is not the best way to learn the difference.

I suggest three better ways. Do some research. Read about mushrooms. Look on the computer. Look at pictures and learn to identify the good from the bad.

Another thing do is become acquainted with someone who knows about mushrooms and let him teach you.

A third way is the best. Talk to “experts,” but also read for yourself information about mushrooms.

Now apply these principles to Bible study. Many times through the years I have been asked how to know the difference between what is right and wrong.

James 1:5 says that if anyone lacks wisdom, he or she should ask God. So how do you ask God? Prayer, of course. But also he has given us the instruction book so we can identify and know the difference.

A classic example of this is in Acts 8:26-40, where a man was traveling back home and God told Philip to go teach him. The man was reading from Isaiah 53. Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading. The man said he needed help. Philip began at that very scripture and taught him about Jesus.

The man had applied two principles I’ve mentioned here. He was reading for himself and asked for help. He learned what God wanted. He learned the difference between what was of the world and what was of God. I suggest the same thing for all of us. Learn to know the difference.

I’d like to hear from you. Email me at lallitnt@yahoo.com.


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