Beware the Messenger

I had the nicest people help me today. First at the  Apple store, Hillary not only showed me how to download the app for the card reader I will need to register credit card sales of my book on my phone, but she even talked me through a mock sale using the new reader.

Then I went to a clothing store and the sweet young sales clerk asked me, "Can I help you?"
"Yes," I told her, "I am doing a book signing in midtown Manhattan. I want to look artsy. Dress me."
She not only found me a lovely artsy outfit, but it was 60 % off. And if I got the store credit card, I saved an additional 15%.

My ONE concern was I sent a photo of the outfit to 3 family members on my phone instant message to ask if they liked the outfit. I got a message back that said, "I like it. very sexy and trendy." BUT I don't know who the message was from. I shudder to think I sent the photo of me in a dressing room to a total stranger. I asked the person to identify him or her self, but he or she did not.

This is why technology is dangerous in the hands of stupid people.

Then later in the evening, I got a garbled message on my instant message app of my phone from a normally very sane friend. I don't think it really came from my friend.  And this morning I got a long email from an "old friend" I don't know at all about a conversation I never had about what house she should buy in NJ. I am increasingly concerned that either my phone security has been compromised by someone, or the End Times are here.

Either way, I hope nothing blows up before my NYC book signing. I am all set with my card reader and nice outfit. If only the world could hang together one more month.

But it made me think about messages, and trying to decipher credible sources, and if the messenger is worth paying attention to. I listened to the Apple Expert because she was trained and an expert. I have had many interactions with the Apple Geniuses, and they rarely steer me wrong. I listened to the sales clerks at the clothing store because they took delight in helping "A real author" (albeit a BROKE, real author) find the perfect outfit at a low price. I deleted the email message from the person who claimed to know me since I didn't know or trust the source. I ignored the garbled text message since that source never speaks in garble.

From those experiences, some general truths emerged. Only trust sources that are excellent in what they do, have a history of providing excellent guidance, delight in what is in my best interest, and have a clear message worth paying attention to in line with what they have consistently spoken. Ignore anything that does not meet these criteria.

Which is why I trust God, and reject any message that is not consistent with Him.

PS: The Tower Builder is still on sale for 99 cents, one more day! It is a book about messages, in part, and trustworthy messengers. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JXP8B72 . Feel free to share the book link and let them know the author is going to be in NYC for a book signing November 13.
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1 John 4:1 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Matthew 24:24 

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Matthew 7:15 

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Matthew 7:21-23

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

2 Timothy 4:2-4 

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.