How can you recognize a religious leader who is an impostor, an agent of satanic deception, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Jesus and his apostles warned there would be many. I myself have seen and heard many of them. I see them on television sometimes. I’ve heard of them in our community from trusting followers who have been burned by them. I’ve been fooled by some. How can you recognize an impostor before you get burned–before you get burned eternally!?
Here are some question you might ask yourself:
1. Has this person profited — living a materialistic lifestyle that is far above that of his followers and contributors? Is money for himself seem to be his motive?
2. Does he advertise himself as a miracle worker and make extravagant claims and worldly promises to his supporters, appealing to the flesh?
3. Does he claim to have a private pipeline to God and indicate that if you disagree with him in any way, you are resisting the Holy Spirit? Does he claim to have all the answers?
4. Does he play on emotions at the expense of solid, balanced Biblical truth?
5. Does he have a humble and gentle spirit, or is he easily angered and manipulative? Is he approachable?
6. Is his personal and family life a good example and above reproach? Does he walk the talk?
7. Is he a man of God’s Word with an obvious love for Christ?
8. Is his preaching centered on the cross?
9. Does he take any stands that clearly identify him as a follower of Christ and God’s Word, even at the expense of losing members or of peace and popularity with the culture and the world, with people of power, prestige and wealth?
10. Is he building his own kingdom or Christ’s?
Humble, Sacrificial Servants
Jesus and all his apostles and the prophets before them lived as humble, sacrificial servants, speaking the truth in love with grace, for the benefit of the flock entrusted to them by the Good Shepherd, many to the point of martyrdom.
“Not everyone who says unto Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 7:21-23)
