Matthew 7:21-23
True and False Prophets
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Jesus writes about false prophets and wants us to be aware of them...Jesus maybe referring to "prophets" to anyone who claims to follow Jesus and His Teachings, and perform religious acts, such as casting out demons or prophesying...These individuals may have engaged in seemingly impressive spiritual activities, perhaps even experiencing some measure of success...But they are not Jesus, in the sense that they lack His inner transformation in loving and following the will of His Father...Their actions are not rooted in genuine love for God and neighbor...They may have been motivated by self-interest, a desire for recognition, money, or a desire to control others...
For example, there are some who prioritize profit above all else, who exploit workers, or who engage in unethical practices for personal gain...These people could be considered "false prophets."...True Christian leaders in life prioritize their ethical practices, believe in a fair treatment of employees, and a commitment to social responsibility...They would seek to use their position to serve their communities and contribute to the common good...
Other false prophets are those who prioritize power, personal gain, and self-interest over the well-being of their constituents...True Christian leaders in the world prioritize justice, the Truth, righteousness, compassion, and promote the common good...They would strive to serve their constituents faithfully and work towards a more just and equitable society...
Other false prophets are those who prioritize violence and aggression, who engage in unethical warfare, or who use their power to oppress others...True Christian leaders in the military and those who are followers of Jesus in the military, would strive to uphold the highest ethical standards, to protect the innocent, and to seek peaceful resolutions to conflict...
Jesus' primary concern in His teaching was with religious leaders who claimed to follow Him but lacked genuine faith and love for others...However, the principles He outlines – the importance of inner transformation, genuine love for others, and a commitment to living out one's faith in all areas of life – have broader implications for how we live and lead in all aspects of society...
Ultimately, whether someone is a leader, or someone in any other field, the question remains: are their actions in their lives driven by a genuine love for God and others, or by their own personal self-interest and a desire for power?...
Jesus wants us to remember that true discipleship is not about outward appearances or religious titles...It's about a deep and abiding relationship with God, cultivated through prayer, study of His Word, and a commitment to love and serve others...This involves a conscious effort to reflect the character of Jesus and His Teachings in all aspects of our lives – in our thoughts, words, and actions...It's about living a life of compassion, humility, and forgiveness, seeking justice and peace for all...Ultimately, true discipleship is about becoming more like Christ, allowing His LOVE to transform us from within...