Scriptural Reference:
Matthew 7:16
You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?

Psalm 55:21
His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!

Proverbs 26:23-25
Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot. People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they're deceiving you. They pretend to be kind, but don't believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils.

Philippians 1:9
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment…

Mat 7:15-16,22-23 (NIV)
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognise them... 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 perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!

1 John 4:1 (DEB)
My dear friends: do not believe all who claim to have the Spirit, but test them to find out if the spirit they have comes from God. For many false prophets have gone out everywhere.

Reflection:
Ever had an offer that sounded amazing. A one time only, for you and nobody else, quick if you want it bargain of a life time. Only to find out it really wasn't that great after all. The promised never were kept. The expectations never were met. In fact the sales pitch was more than likely the only entertaining aspect of the whole deal.

Some people are like that. They come across polished and refined. Saying the words that make them look good and make you feel comfortable. Yet behind the mask of words you would find nothing. Just a lot of hot air. These people are the ones who have all the great ideas and will give advice freely to any who will listen to them. They will then tell people that they have been empowered to take charge and follow the dream. Yet they themselves have done nothing. If the great plan fails they are also quick to distance themselves from the disaster. Pointing a finger at those who could easily take the blame.

Their words are, as the scripture tells us, not backed up by their actions. They are identified by their fruits. Which would be either nothing or very little. Words are not enough. No matter how smooth they may seem. They will not help when times are difficult. No matter how sweet smelling the lotion seems; we are told that it can easily hide the daggers of deceit. These people can hide a wicked heart with their words in the same way as a think layer of glaze can cover the cracks and imperfections of a clay pot. With time both will prove to be full of faults and fail when most needed.

Sadly too often these people have entered congregations all too willing to open doors and welcome new people. The openness is not the problem. Nor is the desire to reach out and bring new people into the congregation. The lack of discernment becomes the problem. There is a need to be aware that not everyone who walks through the Church doors will be there to share the love of Christ. Some have ulterior motives that speak to the Devil.

As Christians, we are called to seek understand what is Truth, through our searching of the scripture. To discern what others are telling us. Not based on human knowledge or understanding. But by all that the Bible teaches us. There will be many false teachers and prophets who will seek to distract us. Leading us astray from the truth. Making allowances for other false religions. These people should be avoided at all cost. They sow the seeds of destruction. They seek an easy comfortable road that leads to Hell. By compromising the Gospel truth they will lead many astray and into devastation and Hell.

The end days may still be many ages away. Yet we will see the changes in the corrupt world we live. We will see how little by little the amazing Grace and Truth of the Gospel message is eroded away. Made murky with the false teachings of many false belief systems. Even to the point that people will start declaring that all religion is either the same or no longer acceptable. This is why we as Christians need to look closely at what people are say. Read the fine print of their intentions. Seek to make it clear that our faith is founded in the truth and not a fantasy created by a furtive human mind. We need to stand firm on our conviction.

Prayer:
Lord,
I pray for the strength to,
Stand firm in the face of opposition,
Hold high the light of your Grace,
Seek always to speak your Word,
Share often your Gift of Salvation,
With the strength of the Holy Spirit,
I pray these things,
In your Holy Name.
Amen