By Their Fruits You Will Know

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

Entering God's Kingdom

Matthew 7:15-23 The Message

15-20 “Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.
21-23 “Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doingwhat my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’

For Reflection

This is the new era of deceit, lies, and deception. It pervades all of our cultures, including our religions. As you can see, Matthew, even two thousand years ago, understood the creeping perversion of the Gospel so that it satisfies selfish interests.  


So, how do you know what is true in a time when the truth is rarely spoken and you are bombarded with personal agendas on social media from people you have never met and about whom you know nothing? You pray and use the ultimate litmus test, "Does this person say things that result in loving relationships?"  If we can't get the truth, examine the outcome through the eyes of a loving God.

Pray

Pray and live your life as a child of God; a mirror of Christ.

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