Daily Bread

"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? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad 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."

Prophets in this context does not mean people who predict the future, but people who claim to communicate and express the heart or will of God.

In every walk of life we encounter people and we make a judgment as to whether they are trustworthy or not. We teach our children to trust police officers, teachers, and church ministers, but as they grow up and mature, they learn that just because someone holds an office or wears a uniform does not make what they say trustworthy.

When it comes to Christians, and particularly Christian ministers, then the litmus test of their trustworthiness does not come from what they say, nor how they dress, nor from the office they hold, but from the good fruit in their lives. We can assume that good fruit in this context will very much be in alignment with the fruits of the Spirit — their love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Or to some it up, are they or are they not putting themselves first at the expense of others or the environment? Are they acting with mercy or judgment?

When I read this passage, I am reminded of a televangelist to whom, back in the 1990s, a family member gave vast sums of money. They were a poor family with four children and it was deeply costly to this family both financially and psychologically. Taking money at the expense of a family is not good fruit! To see this televangelist flying around in this private jet and driving a limousine... well, you get the picture.

If I am honest, it does put Helen and I under the spotlight. I feel uncomfortable with people giving to our ministry, but we do our best to absolutely provide pastoral care and resources to encourage people in their walk with God. In terms of FAB Church, we will be 100% transparent about the financials and importantly, we will never pressure or ask anyone to give money they don't have or cannot afford. The very thought makes us feel sick. It's our job to give to you!

The point is that we must absolutely hold Christians — especially leaders and those who claim to represent the heart of God — to account, and assess them by the fruits in their own lives. Are they grapevines or a thorn bushes? Are they a fig trees or thistles? Check out their fruit and see.

Holy God
When it comes to trusting others,
help me to be as wise as a serpent
and as gentle as a dove.
Help me to discern
whether someone is
truly reflecting your heart
and to be vigilant that
there are those who
claim to be your representatives
who would lead me away from you.
Holy Spirit, remind me that I will
know them by their love.