False prophets – they are around us and they are within us.  One statement from the false prophets of our day goes this way – “You can do anything you put your mind to.”  I actually believe this to be a lie.  I think there are many things you can do when you apply yourself, but not anything.  Let me give you a case in point.

At my tallest and thinnest point in life, I was a quarter of an inch shy of 5 foot 11 inches.  I loved basketball and I wanted to be able to dunk.  I put my mind to it and did exercises to try and strengthen my calf muscles.  I told myself that if I tried hard enough, I was going to do it.  Even though I put my mind to doing this I was never able to dunk a basketball.  I did not have the height or the hops to accomplish my goal.  This same principle applies to others as well as me.  Here is another example of this.

A British television personality named Jeremy Clarkson used some of his wealth to buy a farm in the Cotswold region of England.  Even though he has no relevant knowledge or experience, he decided to become a farmer.  He is spending a considerable amount of money being unsuccessful at this endeavor.  Part of his setback comes from the fact that he has next to no knowledge of the techniques of farming.  Another part of his setback can be attributed to the endless red tape one must deal with when farming in England.  Combined, these things consistently remind him that he cannot do “anything” he puts his mind to.  There are some things he is learning to do, some things that he is able to be compliant in, but much that he does that others do not want him to do and he typically finds out after the fact.  It makes me wonder who told him he could do this and that he actually might be good at it!

Jesus had strong words for people he called false prophets, ones who led others astray.  They had ulterior motives that served only themselves.  He likened them to wolves in sheep’s clothing devouring whomever they could.  Jesus warned his disciples to watch and judge people not on flowery words or quick slight of hand.  Instead measure the fruit of their words and deeds.  His words remind me of the hymn that says, “they will know we are Christians by our love.”  Not just our words of love but our actions of love.  The encouragement that I receive from this is the vision that we can be a fully committed disciple of Jesus Christ if we set our mind to it and daily pursue it.  Somehow we have to get past the false prophets of our world that try to sell us a message of success, materialism, and self-interest at the detriment of our soul.  We also have to get past the false prophet within us that tells us it isn’t worth it or that we aren’t worthy enough to pursue such a lofty goal.

I invite you to take time and read each of the scriptures above followed by reflection on the questions below.  List the false prophets that have influence on your life.  Lastly, I pray that God bless the reading of God’s Word and the meditations of your heart.

Questions to Consider this week:

• Monday:  What did you put your mind to doing but found out that you couldn’t do it?
• Tuesday:  What did you put your mind to doing and you were successful?
• Wednesday:  What false prophet have you listened to or are listening to?
• Thursday:  How is your inner voice acting as a false prophet?
• Friday:  How are you pursuing being a disciple of Jesus that will be known by your fruit? 
• Saturday:  What is the fruit that you want to bear that is for the good of others?

 Actions for the Week:

• Head:  Discern the voices that compete for your attention, and which are false prophets.
• Heart:  Test your passions and their alignment with God’s call to discipleship.
• Hand:  Determine to participate in things that will bear good fruit for others.