Sunday, February 21, 2016

Jesus' Command #20 - Beware False Prophets

Matthew 7:15-16 - "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.  You will recognize them by their fruits.  Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?"

Jesus warns us to watch out for those who would tell us things that match up with what we want to hear, but are not the truth.  A lot of false teaching has invaded our modern western worldview that is perverse and does not line up with the only truth; that which we know is true because God says it is so.  The fact that there even is one truth about a subject is up for debate in our culture.  A common western worldview is that "There is no single truth; that whatever you believe to be truth is fine, just don't tell me what I believe is wrong."

This is a lie right from the Father of Lies, the devil.  If he can convince us that we can believe anything we want to be true then there become infinite lies for us to believe.  Which means the one truth can become lost in a sea of other possible truths.

I've found that in our culture it is hard to call someone out on something they believe to be true, but that we know is a lie, for fear that we will be labeled close minded, intolerant, or judgmental.  It's a real catch twenty two.  While it is important that we find a way to work through this problem in our society, I want to focus on the most personal aspect of truth.  Not that we tell other people what the truth is, but that we ourselves know the truth.  We have to start there.

Here's the simple truth...You can find answers to any issue that presents multiple ideas of what the truth could be...wait for it...in the bible.  If you want to know the truth spend some time with the Author of Truth.  Jesus says that He is, "The Way, the Truth, and the Life."  The words of truth in the bible will help you set your compass to true north and adjust your worldview to help you see the truth.

While it is true the truth will set you free, I heard it said today (and I'm sorry I can't recall whom to give the credit) that, "The truth will set you free, but it will probably hurt a lot first."  Let God set you free with the truth, but be prepared to have your ego or your reputation hurt as He reveals the whole truth to you.

May God bless you and keep you.  May He shine His face upon you and give you peace.

Check back soon for Jesus' Command #21 - Pray for laborers, for the harvest is plenty.

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