Ben H. Swett

Evaluate the source of any message just as though you heard it on the radio, saw it on television or read it in the newspaper: look for the implied purpose. Ask yourself, "Where is this guy coming from? What does he want? What does he want me to do...or be?" It really isn't difficult - you should already know how to tell a good guy from a bad guy, and the same criteria apply whether the guy is incarnate or discarnate. Therefore, the same criteria also apply whether the message comes from an external source or out of your own subconscious mind:

+ Do not assume that the 'form' of communication indicates whether or not a message is from God. The implied purpose of the message is important, but the form is not.

+ Revelation, in nature or history, is a matter of interpretation. Anyone can see anything as a "sign" of anything else - so this kind of "revelation" is more truly a product of the interpreter than it is of the Creator.

+See if the message would lead you and others toward greater love (impartial good-will), reverent joy, inner peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, mercy and self-control. Such messages come from holy sources.

+ Especially look for evidence of respect for individual free will: it is typical of the Kingdom of Kindness but not of the Kingdom of Coercion. Bad guys usually say "Trust me" but good guys say "Test me. I am willing to earn your trust."

+ See what the source has to say about Jesus (in the present tense), but also remember that some who call him "Lord,Lord" do not actually work for him.

+ Good teachers will pass you up to a higher teacher as soon as you're ready; bad teachers try to hang on to you or keep you dependent on them.

+ Don't be impressed by any kind of miracles, spiritual gifts, or psychic powers. Manifestations of power do not prove the source is holy. Disregard messages that pursue worldly concerns, no matter how they are justified.

+ There is no substitute for truthfulness, but even the devils can tell the truth and predict things that come true, when it suits their evil purposes, so instances of verity are not a good test.

+ Names don't prove anything. Any liar can call himself "God" or "Jesus" or whatever, and thus make some people think he is trustworthy when he is not.

+ Beware of any message that contains flattery or slander, whether directed at you or at someone else. Flattery and slander are lies.

+ Reject any offer of fame, fortune, power, or prestige, excitement or sex. Good guys don't try to tempt you, but bad guys do - and bad ghosts know what you want.

+ Reject any source of scare-tactics, fear-mongering, hard-sell, threats, or any other form of coercion. Break off reception: get up, walk around, wash your face, and have something to eat. Escape from the lower realms by generating reverent joy.

+ Cross-check the implied purpose of the message with scripture, evidence and experience. Ask a trusted friend to evaluate the purpose of the message, to help see what level of the spiritual spectrum it is coming from.