False Prophets

               You know, I have seen an awful lot of garbage posted about “false prophets” lately. It seems that every time someone does not agree with the doctrine presented in a message by a minister, that minister is automatically labeled as a “false prophet” by someone.

It seems that we have so many people running about, screaming “false prophet” that it is unsafe to listen to anyone any more. After all, something in their last message may have offended the sensibilities of some dear soul, somewhere, resulting in their being so labeled. Is it just me, or does this not sound like God?

I have even heard the name applied countless times to those that have never even prophesied. My question is this: how can you be a “false prophet” when you have never claimed to be a real prophet?

There are thousands of denominations spread out amongst hundreds of thousands of churches just in the United States alone. I do not agree with the doctrine presented in many of these churches, backed up by many of these denominations. So does that mean that everyone who believes something different than me is a “false prophet”?  Of course not. That is a ridiculous statement! But then again, before the day is through I am sure to read another article on why Pastor So-and –so is a “false prophet.”

“Now I beseech you brethren, by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment.” (1 Cor. 1:10).

It was God’s will for the Body of Christ to be one body. In other words, we are to have one mind and one Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord. How then, can the individual members of one body constantly be running around calling one another “false prophets”?

Maybe the time has come that we need to begin developing understanding and compassion for one another. Just because my doctrine differs from yours, it does not mean that either of us is a “false prophet”. It simply means that we are walking in differences of revelation. Maybe the Lord has given you an insight into the Word which I have not received, yet. That’s okay. Be patient with me, I’m getting there. Even though I am a minister, called and ordained to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it does not mean that I know everything there is to know. Perhaps you have had experiences which I’ve not yet had. Hey, does that make you the “false prophet”?

What I’m saying is this: we have to leave room for differences in belief and opinion amongst brethren which love one another. Running around screaming “false prophet” is not an act of discernment, nor is it an act of love. Therefore, it is not of God.

If you disagree with someone, ask the Lord for clarity for both of you. Who knows, you may just find that you are the one walking in the wrong understanding. Scary thought, isn’t it?