"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" Matthew 7: 15-16.
The one thing that frustrates me the most is when people wave their bibles proudly proclaim themselves Christian and push a type of Christianity that I don't see in my Bible. Lots of politicians are this way - showing they are Christians on a topic or two but tend to have an agenda which contradicts Scripture. Unfortunately, there are lots of people who follow these leaders and accept their words without hesitation.
Especially in the United States, there are people who worship a Jesus or a God not sen in the Bible. There is a sense that because we are Americans that we are especially blessed by God or that we deserve all sorts of good things because of our faith. Those that aren't as "successful" can be perceived as having offended God or done something displeasing Him and reaping those "rewards". I have seen an agenda of fear and hate pushed in this country towards the poor and other lifestyles and religions. I don't recall reading in the Scriptures a Jesus who taught that kind of behavior. Nor do I remember reading that we were superior to others because we are believers. This kind of Christianity is dangerous and paints us in an unflattering light. The devil doesn't have to work hard in turning people off in following Christ, we can do a good job of that ourselves.
How do we find ourselves in this situation and how can we avoid false preaching?
Jesus points out in the above passage that we will recognize them by their fruit. That their actions, not their words, will reveal themselves. How one carries themselves would give us a true understanding of what they believe and what they stand for. A way to determine their teaching is to compare what is taught in scriptures. An example is pointed out by Paul in Acts 17: 10-12 about the Bereans. The Bereans received the message with great eagerness and they examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Paul, who we consider, a great disciple, believer, and writer - still had to pass this test with the Bereans.
There is a danger of elevating teachers, pastors, and preachers to a position where we make them infallible in our eyes.We are not called to blindly follow them. Sadly, there are leaders who sometimes use their position and learning to elevate themselves for earthly gain. There is the potential on both sides of the equation for this dangerous to exist. Are there great teachers and leaders in the church? Yes, and they can be a great blessing. But, we are called to worship God and not a good preacher. It can become a situation where we are a part of a church due to a great leader rather than following God. Leaders can take advantage of their situation while those in the chairs listening just accept whatever is taught without discernment.
Jesus points out false teachers as being wolves. What are wolves, especially back then? They were wild and ferocious and a threat to devour the sheep. There was nothing redeeming about the wolves. Their intent was destruction. Jesus sends out a clear warning. He even states they will be hidden in sheep's clothing. That means they will dwell among us, acting and looking like us. But, in their hearts they will be devouring wolves.
This is not to tell you to always be distrustful to every leader or teacher you encounter. I have been blessed in my life to be around wonderful teachers who showed me a lot. However, it is never a problem to be careful and follow Jesus' advice. Plus, it never hurts to be well-read on the scriptures. There is a real threat of being led astray by false preachers and I will use the term con men. There are many mentions of this threat and it's effects throughout the New Testament. Paul mentions it in 2 Corinthians 11:3; Galatians 1:6-7; and 2 Timothy 4: 14-15 as examples. Peter also discusses it in 2 Peter 2: 1-2 and 2 Peter 3:17.
It is a simple seduction too. There are times it is easy to believe a different Jesus than the one in the gospel. It could be for a variety of reasons. It feels easier, it fits in with my current lifestyle, or justifies my current behavior. Things can be picked and chosen or twisted to met one's agenda. No one ever said following Jesus would be a cakewalk nor that we would never see hard times or that we would benefit materially all the time in our walks. So, it can easily happen to be deceived into believing falsehoods.
That's why it is always good to fall back onto the scriptures. The scriptures tell the true story and reveal Jesus plainly. God has never forced us to believe - He has given us an invitation to join. With the resources He provides, such as the scriptures and prayer, to help us along. I have always been amazed that God has allowed me to question Him and His motives at times. He has at times explained it to me, even when I don't fully understand. Some things I still struggle with as well. Let God and His word be our standard we use when dealing with our leaders. Especially, in this day and age.
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