THE LITMUS TEST
Matthew 7:15-16a
" 'Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.' "
It is not always easy to tell a wolf from a sheep, because the wolf will put on sheep's clothing, just like the wolf put on grandma's nightgown to deceive Little Red Riding Hood. So how do I tell the ravenous wolf from the true sheep? By the evidence. Little Red Riding Hood could tell by grandma's voice and big nose. The evidence left behind is the test: the footprints and the droppings. A wolf cannot change his paw print to look like a sheep, nor can he change the dropping he leaves behind. James gives us a litmus test to apply. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (James 3:13-18). If the prophet leaves a trail of pride and arrogance, self-seeking, and sensuality (fulfilling the lusts of the flesh), I need to run like Little Red Riding Hood or be consumed by the wolf.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Discerning a wolf is vital to spiritual truth and life.
[end]
Have a discerning day. Love you.
Matthew 7:15-16a
" 'Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.' "
It is not always easy to tell a wolf from a sheep, because the wolf will put on sheep's clothing, just like the wolf put on grandma's nightgown to deceive Little Red Riding Hood. So how do I tell the ravenous wolf from the true sheep? By the evidence. Little Red Riding Hood could tell by grandma's voice and big nose. The evidence left behind is the test: the footprints and the droppings. A wolf cannot change his paw print to look like a sheep, nor can he change the dropping he leaves behind. James gives us a litmus test to apply. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (James 3:13-18). If the prophet leaves a trail of pride and arrogance, self-seeking, and sensuality (fulfilling the lusts of the flesh), I need to run like Little Red Riding Hood or be consumed by the wolf.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Discerning a wolf is vital to spiritual truth and life.
[end]
Have a discerning day. Love you.
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