COMMENTARY

Don Atkin

"I NEVER KNEW YOU" REVERENDS AND NEW AGE GURUS

It is amazing how news reporters use the title, "The Reverend" even after the fruit of life and speech has proven one to be a false prophet. Dressing up in religious garments and touting educational credentials does not, in itself, prove that one is a new creature.

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. - Matthew 7:15-16a.

This "beware" warning should also include the emerging New Age good-works gurus who are ambitious to make a name for themselves and make their marks upon the world.

Self-righteousness is sometimes well-cloaked and subtle. Other times it is bold and flagrant. It is often subordinated to a "just cause." Sometimes it is obvious. Other times it requires some discernment. Self-righteousness is often exposed by a lack of accompanying peace and joy.

Self-righteousness, religious or not, is the fruit of the flesh. The flesh works in concert with the world and the devil (earthy, sensual, demonic - James 3:15). Jesus said,

"That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. It is the Spirit who gives life; The flesh profits nothing." - John 3:6; 6:63. Paul said,

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. - Galatians 5:22-23.

Don’t be deceived. We must discern between good fruit (from the tree of knowledge) and the fruit of the Spirit that grows within the new creation.

Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" - Matthew 7:22-23.

The practice of lawlessness ~ things said and/or done apart from the guidance and enablement of the life-giving Spirit of God (including religious things) ~ gives evidence to the fact that one does not know Jesus Christ.

Don’t look for robes and titles. Look for humility. Look for spiritual substance. Look for the fruit of the Spirit. Look for the new creation. Darkness is getting darker. May we be clothed with His glory as we hide behind the cross.