Matthew 7 verse 15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7 verse 16
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Matthew 7 verse 17
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Matthew 7 verse 18
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Matthew 7 verse 19
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Matthew 7 verse 20
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them
This is the one set of verses that are the most often spoken of when they are describing anyone who preaches prosperity. They call us “False Prophets” yet they fail to fully realize the true value of these words, and ignore the real warning they give.
The truth is there are a multitude of “Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing” out there but FEW of them are preaching Prosperity, that does them no good at all. How can they keep you following the wrong path if you prosper and help others to prosper? How can they tell you of the glory awaiting you if only you judge others and find the faults in prospering others if you have plenty to eat, and warm clothing in the winter...THEY CAN’T!
God gave us a thermostat to gauge the truth of a person’s word, it is known as “Do they Practice what they Preach?“, I call it God’s Thermometer”.
Are the ones telling you it’s OK to be poor in sack cloth or fine linen suits and dresses? Are the ones preaching the “evil of riches” walking and taking the bus or subway, or are they in fine expensive cars. Are the ones calling others “False Prophets” and “Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing” preaching for for little or no recompense and gaining income from other sources, or are the tithings of their followers setting their lifestyles?
If they themselves do not follow the things they say, why should anyone else? They have failed “God’s Thermometer”.
But do not assume that I mean all of the clergy or ministry are this way, Most truly believe that they are correct, I just do not agree that poverty and piety are synonymous. I prefer to trust that that if we help our brother/sister up, we help everyone up. if we help everyone up we help the country up, and if we help the country up we help mother earth up…. It s a “Trickle Up” effect.
All too soon those keeping others poor for their gain will be brought to judgment, but it is not my judgment, or yours. That is God’s job and I prefer to let God decide who is growing and who is going. I just use God’s thermometer to decide who I prefer to deal with, remember “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Light and Love
Rev. Dan
