Reflections on Matthew 7:15

‘Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.’

I’m reminded of modern-day Evangelists, where many will preach the gospel with one hand, but then reach out their other hand to ask for money.

In the past, I’ve been annoyed with Evangelists that say things like, “send us money and we will pray for you” or something similar.  Since when does it cost money to pray?

When Dr. Robert H. Schuller lived, I LOVED listening to him.  He ran the Hour of Power services in the Crystal Cathedral.  I think everyone knew that the money he obtained was to keep his services running and the upkeep of the cathedral, but it didn’t stop people, including myself, from sending him money.  Why?  Because of the way he did it.

You could subscribe to Hour of Power and get daily pamphlets free of charge that have a message in them.  Three decades on, I’m sure I still have those pamphlets here somewhere as I know I’ve never disposed of them.

I sent him money because he had wonderful practical gifts to offer.  Over the time I watched the show, I bought two mugs from him, both of which I still have.  The mugs have bible verses on them.  My favourite one being “and he will lift you up, like the wings of an eagle…” with the image of a bird soaring through the sky.

He offered lifetime memberships with more expensive gifts to those who could afford to contribute in the hundreds.  For poorer folk like me, as well as mugs, there were trinkets people could buy if they were into jewelry.  I focused on the mugs, bookmarks, and all the practical items.

Dr. Robert Schuller also wrote many books, including “The Power of Positive Thinking” (although I can’t currently find his copy online, but Norman Vincent Peale’s copy is visible everywhere) and he remained a great inspiration through my young adult life through a time when suicidal thoughts would tempt me into making a different, more drastic path.

In fact, it was one of Dr. Schuller’s sayings that got me through the worst periods of my life:  “Tough times NEVER last, but tough PEOPLE do.”  It reminded me that whatever I’m going through, to try to ride through it, because this problem won’t last, whereas death is forever, and you know what?  Those problems never did last.  They may have taken days, months or years to resolve, but they never lasted and thanks to Dr. Schuller, and God’s grace, I always got through those times.

Sadly, Dr Schuller passed when age got the better of him, but his son and grandson have since taken up the baton and continue on preaching the gospel even if they no longer do so in the Crystal Cathedral.

But these genuine Evangelists are few and far between.

Always be wary when following religious leaders.

Microsoft Bing’s AI Copilot suggests to keep a lookout for red flags.  Some of the things mentioned include doing your research.  Check their history to see if there have been past legal issues.

Always check for transparency.  What are they doing with their money?  If it is going for the upkeep of their buildings or organisation, then how are they asking for money?

It’s fair if they want to sell you something for a bit extra so that they can make a profit toward their cause, but it’s not fair if they just want constant donations and using emotional blackmail to achieve their purpose.

Many rescues will find a way to sell things to raise money so they can do vet work on the animals they rescue, so it’s understandable that many religious organisations will also need funding in order to rescue more souls, but rescuing the souls of many should never be used as a guise to line their own pockets.

So always check for transparency. 

Another thing Bing’s AI mentioned is how are they asking for money?  Are they asking you to send it by way of gift cards or wire transfers?  Because these would definitely be classed as red flags for scams.

I’m not saying don’t follow all Evangelists.  By all means, if that’s how you feel comfortable worshipping, then do so, but DO NOT let them emotionally blackmail you or con you into sending them money

If you wish to send them money, be sure you receive a valid receipt, you know where the money is going, you know the history of the Organisation and what good they’ve already done in the world and finally, if possibly only send money if you can buy something practical from them, even if it’s just a decorative ornament with a bible verse on it.

A better way to worship is to source out your local churches.  Nearly every suburb and small town these days have a variety of churches, from Pentecostal to Anglican, Catholic, Baptist or even Greek Orthodox if that’s what you’re searching for.  And being part of a church community does wonders for your spiritual growth.

The simplest and best way to worship is to just open your bible. Read the bible and share what you learn with a loved one, and in that way, you are being a disciple in Christ.  And that is all that is needed to build a discipleship culture in today’s world.