When I was in my last year of seminary before ordination, the phrase "the devil's year" was bantered about. The thought was that the devil would do anything within his power to get you to abandon what you were truly called to do. Further, his plans were so insidious that he would use whatever tools available to accomplish his plans. Like espionage, the plan really involves using your own weaknesses as a wedge against you. What are your personal weaknesses? that is, what the devil would use as a lever to tip you away from your calling.
When I think of "false prophets" that is what I think of. Using your weaknesses against you. It is not unlike Donald Trump who says all the things you want to hear even in your immaturity like building walls and sending every immigrant 'back home'. Mr Trump plays into your worst feelings and fears and exploits them, not unlike the devil, and tells you it's ok to feel that way. Your worst attributes are justified! He is insidious. Perhaps it is Mr Trump that is "lucifer in the flesh" and not Mr. Cruz as John Boehner suggests. Or perhaps Ted and Donald are twins!
Politics aside though, we are dealing with more that the election of the next President of the United States, we are dealing with our immortal souls. Life is much more robust than dealing with a new President, no matter how powerful he may be.
What about the religious leaders of our day? It was easy to track down pictures of some of
the 'homes' of some televangelists. Wow. No vow of poverty here, eh? I have to say that between the car and the architecture, this is how the devil might tempt me. How about that shack by the seaside? (right) I could be tempted. Really though, whether we are talking seaside resorts, elegant cars or ginormous pools, the temptation is pretty obvious. It would seem more insidious if you did tremendous works, preached peace and love all the while molesting children and using your sizable influence to cover the whole affair up. THAT is evil. The Pope runs around in a Fiat, there is no hiding the Rolls in the picture above (left).
A large villa not your cup of tea? Little kids really not your weakness? Perhaps you might settle for a weekend away at the picture to the left which looks more like a resort than someone's home.
My point is this, most of us are not tempted by enormous wealth. We are tempted by the gentle breeze of a suggestion that our bad thoughts are good ideas. We are lead astray by giving in to the notion that " I deserve that " as if we have done something extra special to merit just a little selfishness. In so doing we have judged that we deserve something more than some one else, that they have not done something as good and we have have done something more or better. From there it is a slippery slope. The devil has gotcha!
Perhaps it would be better if we just woke up each day and gave a resounding round of applause to God. A sincere thank you, a large serving of gratefulness instead of grapefruit. Perhaps we could wake up with the realization that we have new day, a new opportunity to love others, to spread the Good News. We can be the the good fruit in today's scripture passage. This is what God created us for. Love and living in joy.
Matthew 7:13-21
‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.
‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
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