“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
There is a common idiomatic expression out there that says: “If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it is probably a duck.” There have been times in my life when I have fallen prey to people who did not mean well. I did so, because I ignored my gut and I excused every behavior that I saw with my eyes. I am older now, and more mature in my faith. I listen better and I obey more readily.
The writer of the Book of Matthew warns the people of his day about false prophets in Matthew 7. He reminds people that these false teachers come in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. Wolves hunt in packs and often go after the weakest prey. Matthew encourages us to believe what we see when he says, “…by their fruit you will know them.”
Today wolves will attend church and even kneel in prayer, but they are greedy predators who destroy the weakest among us. Wolves take advantage of those who cannot fend for themselves, and scripture reminds us to be alert, “watch out for false prophets.” To put it simply, go by what you see, not by what you hear. Are they kind, truthful, holy, humble or are they deceitful, proud, cruel, predatory and unholy? Recognize them by their fruit. Believe what you see lest you too be led astray.
Matthew reminds us that they will not get away with their evil deeds. Judgement is coming. “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Beloved, inspect the fruit. Always inspect the fruit lest you too fall into their trap. For, “If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it is probably a duck.” To ignore God’s warning is disobedience. AMEN!