Do Not Go Beyond What is Written

1 Corinthians 4:6 "Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another."

      My Sweet Lord, it's so easy for us to follow Christian leaders, especially when we are new believers.
I remember when I first heard the truth.  I had been to several churches from several denominations, including both Catholic and Protestant, and had not heard the whole truth in any of them.  In fairness, I was blind and deaf to spiritual things and was not in attendance all of the time in any of them.  I did not hear any preach the whole truth about salvation by grace through faith, was never urged to read Your Word for myself, and had not heard that I had to make a choice about You and Your work on my behalf.
      Then I was introduced to a Pastor-Teacher who did indeed preach the truth and was saved.  Because what he taught was so very different, (and he told us that he was the only one who had the whole truth) I followed hard after him.  I had become like one of the Christians in Corinth that Paul had written about.
      It took the salvation of my husband and about five years of learning from Your Word to realize that he was not the only one with, "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."   I realized that I had the "author and finisher of my faith, and the One who would guide me into all truth", living within me.   I could learn from different Christian leaders, but needed to follow hard after You, not them.  I realized that preachers are used by You to explain Your message, not give it.  True Christian leaders want us to follow You not them and will always point us to You.  False teachers, in their arrogance and pride, want us to follow them.  That is probably a good litmus test of their message
     Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and I must hide it in my heart so I do not sin against You.  Thank You Lord Jesus and Heavenly Father for this so great salvation...a gift of grace and mercy, not of works that man can do, so not one can boast!