Navigating the Maze of Deception: Lessons from a Brush with False Prophets

Matthew 7:15

King James Version

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

Matthew 7:15-20

New King James Version

You Will Know Them by Their Fruits

“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. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits, you will know them."

John 10:10

New International Version

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

A wolf in sheep's clothing trying to deceive a whole flock of sheep. The wolf is hungry and has sharp teeth, but the sheep are deceived and think the wolf is just another sheep.

In the sacred scriptures, Matthew 7:15 serves as a poignant reminder to beware of false prophets, those who masquerade as righteous guides but conceal hidden agendas. They are the wolves in sheep's clothing, preying upon unsuspecting souls with their deceitful allure. It's a warning that transcends the spiritual realm, resonating deeply in our everyday lives.

Recently, I found myself thrust into the unsettling reality of this biblical admonition. A figure of authority, a pastor no less, revealed his true colors through a series of unsettling encounters. What began as a seemingly innocuous invitation unfolded into a disconcerting revelation of hidden agendas and misplaced intentions.

The initial proposition seemed harmless enough—an invitation to engage in a social outing, a simple game of bowling. Yet, beneath the surface, a darker undercurrent pulsed with ominous intent. As conversations progressed, the tone shifted, veering uncomfortably towards the realm of intimacy.

Despite my reservations, I entertained the possibility of forging a connection with this individual. After all, our interactions had been confined to matters of business and shared interests in social justice. However, as the pastor's affections became increasingly apparent, I found myself grappling with a sense of unease. His eagerness to extend invitations to his home and engage in intimate conversations belied a deeper agenda that I was not prepared to confront.

During one particularly unsettling exchange, the pastor posed a question that shattered any illusions of innocence or misunderstanding. "What's your favorite sexual position?" The words hung in the air, a jarring reminder of the depths of deception lurking beneath the surface.

In that moment, the veil of propriety fell away, revealing the pastor's true intentions. Despite his outward facade of righteousness, he was merely another wolf in sheep's clothing, preying upon unsuspecting souls for his own gratification.

In hindsight, the warning signs were unmistakable, subtle cues hinting at underlying intentions. From the casual mention of sexual preferences to the brazen invitation to his abode, each interaction served as a testament to the duplicity that lay beneath the surface.

As I reflect on this unsettling encounter, I am reminded of the importance of discernment in navigating the complexities of human interaction. The outward trappings of authority and piety are not always indicative of inner virtue, and it is incumbent upon us to remain vigilant in safeguarding our hearts and minds against the machinations of false prophets.

In the face of such deception, let us heed the timeless wisdom of Matthew 7:15. Let us beware of false prophets, those who would seek to ensnare us in their web of deceit. For it is only through discernment and steadfastness that we can hope to navigate the treacherous waters of deception and emerge unscathed on the shores of truth and righteousness.