Day One Matthew 7:15
15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.” – Matthew 7:15 (NLT)
Learn From the Word
Jesus’ final words to His followers in the Sermon on the Mount all lean toward warning. He just finished cautioning them about the wide path that leads to destruction and now tells them to beware of false prophets, or false teachers, that lead people down that path. The word “beware” is an active word rather than a passive one. Jesus wants us to pay attention or apply our minds toward something. He reminds us that false prophets don’t come to us blatantly as vicious wolves. They “come disguised.” They look and sound like the harmless sheep they claim and sometimes even believe themselves to be. Satan is only capable of producing a counterfeit.
Put It Into Practice
False prophets and teachers are mentioned all over the Bible. Jesus even warns later in chapter 24 that many will come in His name in the future, during end times. Jesus will give us a good test for identifying false prophets in the next verses, but our first step as His disciples is simply to beware of them. Take a few minutes now to pray for discernment. If you're a follower of Jesus, ask the Holy Spirit who lives in you to help you to simply be aware. Ask Him to show you if there's anything or anyone that you’re reading, watching, or listening to who claims to speak on God’s behalf, but is leading you down the wide path.
For Families with Kids at Home
As a parent or caregiver, one of our biggest roles is to monitor who and what we allow to influence our kids, especially when they’re young. In this age of rapidly changing culture and technology, we need the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and discernment in shepherding our kids well!
Take time today to pray that the Holy Spirit would equip and empower you in the ways you influence your kids. Then take time to evaluate the people and technology that have influence with your kids. Are there any changes that need to be made that would be healthy for them?