It’s almost startling how clueless the scribes and Pharisees were when they talked to Jesus. Like this question: Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? (Mat 15:2) Jesus related their question to the prophetic word from Isaiah: And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. (Mat 15:9)

The thing is, the scribes and Pharisees didn’t see it that way. There were very religious in what they did. For some it was probably political and career building, but for others, it was what was taught to them and what was right. They weren’t trying to offend God. They thought they were obeying Him by following all their rules.

The truth will keep you safe.

Danger, danger, danger. When religious people fail to see God right in front of them, you see how easy it is to be misguided. Good intentions are not the same thing as godly obedience. That’s why we are told: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1Jhn 1:4)

How do you test the spirits? By being very comfortable with the Holy Spirit. When you recognize Him, you know when it’s not Him. How to you get to know the Holy Spirit? You ask Him. Look up all the references to the Holy Spirit and see how He operates, then look to see Him in your own life. He will lead you in truth and keep you from deception.