Devotional by Ken Sanford

FALSE PROPHETS
Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.”
Just before these verses come the verses that warn us about judging others. This dichotomy seems troublesome. We want to beware of the sin of falsely judging others. Surely, however, we must discern among all the voices we hear, calling for our attention and loyalty to various causes–religious, political and economic.
A so-called prophet has warned us that the world is ending—once again. On the other hand, remember the days when Jim and Tammy were preaching feel-good religion and the religion of prosperity (If you are going to pray for a new car, be sure to specify the color you want).
I was giving a tour recently to a couple who are thinking about relocating to our region. As I drove them onto the property that was previously the domain of PTL, I was reminded of that great tragedy. The property now has a better and higher use since it has been developed into neighborhoods of attractive houses. Indeed, there was some truth in what Jim Bakker used to say about Christians deserving nice retreat and vacation communities. However, we couldn’t rationalize his position against the practice of multiple selling of the same time shares.
Shouldn’t we also engage our brains when we hear religious leaders and politicians making false claims and advocating ignorance? There are those who disparage Christian teaching just because they don’t like what they hear. Our litmus test should be the example Jesus gave us with his life and death.
Ken Sanford

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