We stand at a crossroads
Each of us stands from time to time at a crossroads. One way may point the easy way - the broad path - which may well lead to ruin. The other may lead to the hard road, the moral road, the road of toil and faith. Yet the latter is the way which leads to virtue and to Heaven. Jesus advises us to take the hard road to discipleship; this is the road that leads to life. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." [1]
True and False Prophets
Jesus warned us against false prophets, outwardly meek and wearing disciples' clothing, yet inwardly they are ravening wolves. We are to observe the fruits of their lives. Only good fruit, good results, good actions can come from the good person. Bad deeds, bad results will issue from the false prophet. Disciples are to be discerning, to take the long view, not to trust naively. They are to weigh up each prophetic word, and discard those which are not authentic, reject those not from Christ.
True and False Disciples
Jesus counsels us to be a true disciple by obeying His words and His Sermon on the Mount in our lives. When others can look at a disciple and see Christlike example and obedient service to the Father in Heaven, that one is the true disciple.
Jesus affirmed that many can perform great works, some even ostensibly in His Name. But God Who sees the inward heart knows the false prophet from the true. We are to be sincere in devotion, and pure in deeds and service. Only then will we be carrying out the Will of Our Father in Heaven. Jesus taught, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord', will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your Name and and in Your Name drive out demons and in Your Name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" [2]
[1] Matthew 7:13
[2] Matthew 7:21-23
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