"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-20)
Good preachers tell great stories. They know how to keep people on the edge of their seats as they weave a tale.
Good preachers can bring a crowd to laughter and to tears. They know how to pull on the strings of a person’s heart and have them in the palm of his hand.
Good preachers keep their message well organized. They move cleanly from point to point – great introduction, moving conclusion, well thought out main points and smooth transitions between each one.
But Jesus doesn’t say that any of those characteristics of popular speakers is the key to discerning if they are worth listening to. Jesus says that the primary key is not in the speaking at all, but in the lifestyle of the one speaking. It’s not about the quality of the speaker’s skill – it’s about the quality of the speaker’s heart.
Truth is that nothing we offer to God or to other people is about the quality of our skill or training. The real effectiveness of what we offer God and other people is the sincerity of our heart.
So, check out the fruit of the life of those to whom you listen. Check out the sincerity of your own heart, too.
His, by Grace,
Steve
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