PEELED GRAPES!

PEELED GRAPES!

1 John 4:1

4 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

           In our text above, the word “spirit” is the Greek pneuma and one of the meanings of that word is “the human mental disposition.” So, with that meaning as the foundation, we should be wary of the opinions and mental dispositions of others.

           My high school civics teacher was an androgynous young man who rode a multi-geared racing bicycle to work and parked it in the back of the classroom. His blond hair was a bit over long but not for the mid 60’s. He avoided the school cafeteria and brought his lunch in what might be called Tupperware. I remember the peeled grapes and wondered how long it took him to peel each grape for the next days lunch.

           In the questioning time during the Vietnam war, he gathered a few disciples around his desk during the lunch break to discuss current events and philosophy. I remember a tall, male, drum major, a trumpet-playing redhead whom I dated once but only once, and a dark haired girl who wanted to be a Nun. It was worth carrying your lunch to school just to be part of this group.

           Of all the things Mr. Peepers (for he looked like him) taught us, I remember one thing clearly. He challenged us to always ask: “According to whom?” Everyone has an opinion but we should be cautious in our listening and even more careful in making those opinions our own.

1 John 5:20

20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Dear Lord, help me to question opinions without being either a rebel. Remind me to measure each opinion and disposition against the authority of Scripture. AMEN