The Holy Martyr Charalampius. Fast-free week.
2 Peter 1:20-2:9; Mark 13:9-13.
Read 2 Peter 1:20-2:9
There will be false teachers among you and many will follow their destructive ways.
The tricky thing about false teachers is that they often are really likeable, dynamic, engaging, and talented people. They have a lot going for them and are the kind of people you want to be around. It is easy to be overcome by their charm.
Furthermore, most of what they teach is true. It can be difficult to distinguish the falsehood nestled within the overall package which, ultimately, will undermine the very Gospel of Christ itself.
This is why the virtue of sobriety is so very important—sobriety of heart and mind. A sober heart and mind assesses the content of what someone might say while not getting carried away by their charm and dynamism. A sober heart and mind will judge someone’s teaching against the Church’s apostolic tradition before giving assent to it. If the teaching given departs from Church teaching, the sober person will spot it and discard it and warn others of it.
So in your life, cultivate a sober heart and mind. Immerse yourself in the scriptures, the fathers, and the great teachers of the Church. Keep close to Christ in your prayer. And no false teacher will be able to sever you from the love of the Almighty.