JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Wisdom from the Red Letters is found in Matthew 7, verses 15 and 16.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit, you will recognize them.”

Jesus is saying that not everyone who claims to speak for God really does speak for God. Some are false prophets and dangerous to the body of Christ. This is why we need discernment. Look at the fruit of their ministry. Does their teaching line up with the truth of the Bible? Do they encourage us to follow Jesus as Lord? Do they live what they teach? Is the love of Jesus evident in their lives? 

These are some relevant questions to explore. Jesus said that every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

The words of Jesus inspire us to use discernment when people claim to speak for God in the Year of Redemption. 

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com