Monday, October 28, 2013

Discerning False Teachers

Dear Brothers and Sisters, today I’d like to share with you what the Lord has shown me regarding the discernment of wolves. Certainly sometimes we just know. The evil in them offends the Spirit in us and we are repulsed by them. Certainly we do know them by their fruit (Mat 7:16). But sometimes, especially when others we know value these teachers, it can be difficult for us to separate them from those who truly work for God. So, how shall we know?

This best way is to know the Scripture, because wolves invariably pervert it. From an ever so slight twist to the out-right lie, wolves use the Scripture to fleece the flock, turn believers from the truth, and discourage the unprepared. So, be faithful to study His word. You will know the truth if you are diligently seeking it from God, because God does not lie and His word is firm to us. Further, He has promised to be faithful to us if we are faithful to Him:

            You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. – Jer 29:13

Another way to judge wisely whom you will listen to is to look at where their focus is. Is it on earthly wealth, personal fame, etc. or are they centered on God? To be sure this can be problematic, because we don’t always have access to the overall picture. Fortunately, there are ways even when the evidence seems thin.

Personally, I am automatically suspicious if one is considered or represented as a “Prosperity” teacher. It tells me that their priority is more likely to be money; rather than, God. I generally move on at that point, because I’m not really interested in money. No, I want to know more about God. So, be careful here, because it isn’t just about what others teach, but what we are really seeking that matters.

There have been a lot of people taken advantage of by prosperity wolves. They basically teach that giving to them, as “God’s” representatives, will increase the giver’s wealth. What they don’t tell you is that the god they serve is usually the god of money.

Again God does look after His own, but there is a world of difference between being fed by ravens and living the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Many prosperity teachers bear more resemblance to Hollywood stars than Elijah or John the Baptist, etc. We need to have open eyes when it comes to these truths and look at the teacher before we accept what they teach. Ask yourself: What is their goal? Does it benefit them or does it glorify God? If they are sincerely seeking to do God’s will or teach His word, they cannot also be seriously devoted to gathering wealth.

Here’s the thing: Our Lord did not own a single house or chariot. He did not gather earthly wealth nor encourage us to do so. So, when you see someone focused on earthly wealth, think to yourself: “How do they reflect Christ?”

The answer is very simple. They don’t. Our Lord is not reflected in the love of wealth. More importantly, if we were to be focused on wealth, He would have told us so. But that is not what He said. No He said:

            “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” – Mat 6:24

So we see here that what they are devoted to is also the one they love. Therefore if the prosperity of the flesh is the primary focus of a teacher then we can be certain that teacher is not focused on God.

Again, I’m not saying God does not provide for His own, but I am saying don’t expect mansions or a fleet of luxury vehicles in this age. Or do you think you are more deserving than our Lord? That is the line, folks. He lived a life of poverty, preferring to please His Father over all else. If we are truly following Him, pleasing God will be our priority, as well.


God’s peace.

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