Beware, Take Heed

We have all heard the verse “(Mat 7:1 KJV) Judge not, that ye be not judged.” whenever we try to confront whatever we believe is morally incorrect, when judged by the clear teachings of the bible.

Christian friends don’t let this verse prevent you from confronting evil, for this same chapter seven of Matthew we are told to be fruit inspectors. Let me explain what I mean.

Starting at the same chapter seven of Matthew we read that Jesus also said: “(Mat 7:15 KJV) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Mat 7:16 KJV). Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” And also what Paul says in “(Acts 20:28 KJV) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:29 KJV) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”

It is true that only God can judge what is in the heart and we have no business trying to judge the heart. For the heart is beyond human understanding but not beyond God‘s searching of what is in our heart. For Jeremiah tells us “(Jer 17:9 KJV) The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer 17:10 KJV) I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”

What a dilemma we seem to face, for on the one hand we are not to judge but on the other hand we are to beware of the fruit of the wolves doings. But like all other aspects of being a Christian we walk a balanced life. For instance we are told in the Psalms that wine is a gift from God: “(Psa 104:14 KJV) He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; (Psa 104:15 KJV) And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.” But there are many other verses that warn us not to abuse the use of alcohol. Here also we are not to judge the heart but we are to be fruit inspectors.

Why fruit inspectors? These wolves must be confronted, first to protect the church and second that the truth spoken in love may change the heart of the wolf. Paul tells us what our Christian duty is: “(Eph 4:14 KJV) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Eph 4:15 KJV) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:.”