Daily Devotional for Saturday, December 14

The Danger of False Prophets

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ;' 2 Corinthians 11:13.

The orange oakleaf butterfly, indigenous to Southeast Asia, is very adept at hiding from its predators. In fact, it is so good at camouflaging itself that it flies erratically to appear as a falling leaf, eventually falling to the forest floor. With its wings closed, it closely resembles a dead leaf, complete with heavy, dark veins. Even a well-trained entomologist struggles to spot one of these insects in its hidden habitat.

Jesus described the camouflaging ability of false teachers similarly. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matthew 7:15). It would be much easier for our churches if false teachers came into the building wearing shirts that said something like "I preach heresy." But that is not how liars work. Liars try to disguise their lies as the truth. I once heard someone say, "The most convincing lie is the one that is closest to the truth."

This is a very real danger for our churches. Although there are numerous false teachings in the world that we can easily spot, there are some that are so close to the truth that we might fall for them if we are not careful. Jesus reminded us of that when He told His disciples, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matthew 24:24).

The next time someone tells you that you have to go to church, be baptized or live a good moral life to be saved, remember what the Scriptures say, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).

JUST A THOUGHT

Jesus told us how to spot false teachers. "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16).

Even the orange oakleaf butterfly reveals itself eventually.

Chris Floyd