"Watch out for false prophets. They come to join you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, 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."
(Luke 7: 15-20 NIV)
This is not a popular topic but needs to be spoken in the times we are living. I refer to the church in this post but am not speaking about any particular church. I am referring to The Church in our society today.
There are signs all around us confirming that we are truly living in the last days and need to get ready for the return of Christ! There seems to be persistent chatter these days about false prophets preaching false sermons in these days. Maybe you know some of them. Preachers not teaching truth. But what about other false prophets? Is it possible that people in congregations can also be false prophets without being a preacher? Don't bail out on me. I have a point I want to make.
It seems that people in churches all over the world are constantly stirring the pot of discontentment. These same people profess to be Christians but behind the scenes they are nothing more than wolves in sheep's clothing. They dress the part. They somewhat act the part but they certainly don't live the part. And most of all they bear totally rotten, stinky fruit. Am I being crude? Absolutely not! I am merely being honest.
My heart is breaking as I hear of Christians, or those who profess Christianity, constantly spreading negative comments about everything in churches today. I receive numerous emails from pastor's wives and others in ministry weekly who are frustrated, hurt, and discouraged. They are constantly dealing with those who consistently find fault with everything and everyone. Constantly bashing the pastor and/or his wife and their ministry. Not wanting the church to make changes. Threatening to leave the church week after week after week. No real reason other than discontentment. Could it be they are discontent because the fruit in their lives is soft and squishy, stinky and rotten? Is it possible that their relationship with Christ is also rotten?
The devil uses Christians and non-Christians to accomplish his work. The constant undercurrent in the church is not a positive thing. Church is not about you and it isn't about me. Church is about Jesus Christ. People become anxious when it isn't all about them. They wear their feelings on their sleeves and when something doesn't go exactly as planned BAM! It is ridiculous to witness adults acting like a group of preschoolers who don't get exactly what they want. How in the world can we expect God to do great and awesome things in our lives if all we think about is how someone didn't ask me to do something so I am going to pout or someone didn't look at me at the right time so my feelings are hurt. Me, me, me.... it is all about me..... No it isn't about ME. It needs to be about HIM.
Rotten folks produce rotten fruit. Producing rotten fruit is a choice. Christians who are sold out for the Kingdom of God do not produce rotten fruit. Christians who put Christ first in all areas of their lives do not produce rotten fruit. A fruit tree that is properly cared for produces beautiful fruit.
We have been given an opportunity to do something incredible for the Kingdom of God. I challenge you to focus on God and what He wants for your life. Are you discontent? If so, seek God's face and ask Him to show you what you need to do in your own life to produce good fruit for the Kingdom. Ask Him for a "gut check inventory" and then be willing to do something about it. Pruning is not an easy process but the results can be outstanding.
Blessings!
