Seven Guidelines For Detecting False Prophets

Jesus's litmus test is simple. The deeds of his
followers must correspond with the instructions
found in the "Sermon on the Mount."

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus's inaugural address about how citizens of God's heaven-governed kingdom are to live, he uses the metaphor of "wolves in sheep's clothing" to describe false teachers. 

Jesus was not likely referring here to wolves disguising themselves as sheep, but rather to their pretending to be trustworthy shepherds, who in those days typically wore clothes made of sheepskin and wool. Since their garb identified their occupation, this was one way one could take on the appearance of a trustworthy shepherd. 

So how can we tell whether a would-be "shepherd" today is faithful or fake?

Not by their appearance or by their use of pious words ("Lord, Lord"), according to Jesus, but by their actions, or their "fruit." In other words, do their deeds correspond to the teaching and the example of their Master? 

If we Christians really believe Jesus to be God's Messiah (Anointed One), we should be expected to latch on to, and strive to live by, his every word. Who better to trust for the truth about just how God's will is to be done on earth as it is in heaven?

Jesus sums up his initial instructions for heaven-governed living with "Whoever hears these sayings of mine  and who does them will be like the person who builds his house on solid rock." In other words, faithful obedience is the enduring proof of one's faith. 

I'm told that the best way to learn to detect anything fake, as in counterfeit money, is to become thoroughly acquainted with every detail of the real thing, as in real money. So here are seven of the Sermon on the Mount marks of faithfulness we should expect to see in authentic prophets, according to Matthew 5-7:

1) They demonstrate the God-blessed qualities described in the beatitudes--humility, contriteness, integrity, peace-making, and justice-seeking, even if it means being ostracized and persecuted. (5:1-12)

2) They work at reconciliation in relationships rather than harboring anger or causing division, and avoid verbal or physical violence toward others. (5:21-26)

3) They are faithful to their marriage vows and treat members of the other sex with dignity and respect. (5:27-32)

4) They consistently speak the truth and avoid manipulation and deception. (5:38-42)

5) They show unconditional and impartial love toward everyone, friend and enemy alike. (5:43-48)

6) They share generously with others and avoid accumulating material wealth for themselves. (6:19-34)

7) They do not condemn others, but are careful to discern whether their deeds correspond with "these sayings of mine." (7:1-23)

This $10.5 million mega home is one of two mansions owned by a popular television preacher headquartered in Houston. Unfortunately, there are all too many faith-based television celebrities who maintain lifestyles that are clearly the opposite of that of the Christ, who denounced consumer wealth and who "had no place to lay his head."