Do you remember Jim Jones? How about David Koresh, Harold Camping, or Marshall Applewhite? These men have something in common: each was a religious leader who claimed to have a direct line to God. They also caused anxiety, distress, and destruction among their followers. Looking back, it’s easy to label them as “false prophets,” as Jesus describes in Matthew 23.
“Obviously,” you might think. “I could spot that a mile away.” After all, anyone amassing weapons, controlling people, or mistreating children while claiming divine authority is clearly at odds with Jesus.
We recognize these signs because of one simple principle: love. We know that God is love, and we understand how love behaves. Therefore, the real test of a prophet’s connection with God is love—are they cultivating it, or diminishing it?
If you follow the news, you’ve likely encountered another prophetic claim: that “God ordained Trump.” Is that true? Let’s apply the test that Jesus provides in Matthew 23: Is he growing God’s love, or diminishing it?
I’ll be watching closely, and I’ll be praying for the former.