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?
Matthew 7:15-16 (ESV)
The path that leads to the wide gate of destruction is littered with false prophets. Wolves in sheep’s clothing masquerading as teachers of the truth whose only aim and ambition is deception and destruction. Notice here that Jesus understands that the wolves will come and mingle among the flock. This is no “what if” scenario where we must imagine this happening in some distant far-off future. No, Jesus is warning us that the wolves are active among us. He is warning us to be on guard against their wicked schemes that seek to lead us astray down the path of destruction. We must pay careful attention to not only what our leaders, teachers, and preachers are saying but we must look at the evidence of a fruitful Godly life. The words may be dripping with honey but we should be mindful of the possible poison mixed within. We must examine what we are being taught against the only source of authority that we have in this life, God’s Word.
As I sit and think about this passage I am struck not only by the understanding that false teachers will be among the sheep but I must be careful that I do not find myself speaking wolfishly to myself and others. I think it is quite an easy thing to mix just a little bit of sin into my holy thoughts. It is easy to take the truths of Scripture and bend them ever so slightly to justify some carnal craving or fleshly desire. I must guard my heart and mind to not move the line drawn in the sand by the commandments of Christ for me. Even the slightest turn off the course of obedience will lead me down the path of destruction.
I can see this tendency in myself over the years. It’s as though I have found myself waking up from a trace of bewilderment when I encounter God’s Word with open eyes looking for the fruit of my words and thoughts. I have truly been a master of self-deception. This alone is cause enough for concern but I often wonder how many people I may have led astray with my slightly off-course way of thinking. Those times when I may passively disregard a Biblical truth because it was inconvenient and then encourage others in this falsehood because it reinforced my own self-deception. This is the frightening part of this passage to me. For I fear that I too have been a false teacher at times. Even if it was unintentional and without malice.
Jesus is reminding me to be vigilant with myself but also to be mindful of who I allow to influence me in my Christian walk. It is not advisable to take in the teaching of a person without question, no matter who they are. Even the most renowned and trustworthy teacher of God’s Word is capable of leading people astray. I must always take what I am learning and balance it against the truth of Scripture. I must examine the fruit of the people I am allowing to influence me and have authority. The wolf is dressed as a sheep, but he is still easily recognizable if we only pay attention to his fruit!
So I must stay alert. This takes time and effort. It takes duty and obedience. It takes study and prayer. It takes the work of the Spirit alive in my heart. My daily prayer should be for wisdom. Godly wisdom to discern and interpret what I am reading and hearing in light of God’s Holy Word.