Wolves Among the Sheep

“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? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-20 NIV)

There is a civil war taking place in the Central African Republic and last week it was reported that Christians were killing and maiming Muslims and destroying their homes.  It brought deep sadness to my heart, not only because of the brutality taking place, but also that the perpetrators were identified as Christians.  

I know this cannot be true.  The fruit of a true follower of Jesus, who is filled with the Holy Spirit, looks entirely different.  (Galatians 5:22-23)  Like so many, these murderers identify themselves as “Christians,” and the media confirms it, without any true understanding of what makes a person a Christian.   They may hold to some beliefs that align with historical Christian tenets, such as Jesus being the Son of God, but they have no relational experience with Him and have not come to a point of humility before Him.  They are Christians in name only.  

Jesus warned of such people, particularly those who are in positions of leadership or seek to influence others.   I remember years ago a charismatic man who became pastor of a struggling church.  The elders were won over by this man’s charm and promises to produce a growing church, but I just sensed something was not right.  As I observed his ministry, I saw a man more interested in notoriety and power, than in loving and serving people.  Sadly, the man did great harm to the church during his tenure and was eventually fired when the elders learned the full extent of his poor and manipulative leadership.  

Many identify themselves as Christians, but we should not be so quick to accept every claim.  We should always carefully examine the fruit of a person’s life.  Are you dating someone who says he or she is a Christian? Is that claim backed up by how they conduct themselves in daily life? Are you involved in a church whose pastor claims to be following the Lord? Does the fruit of his life confirm that claim?  Are you a member of a small group Bible study?  Does the leader display the fruit of the Spirit in his or her life?

Today, know while Christians aren’t perfect, there should be clear evidence of the Spirit’s fruit in anyone who claims that identity.  If there is not, then be wary of placing yourself in a position to be influenced by them.  As with wolves among sheep, the outcome will not be good.  

© Jim Musser 2014