St. Theophan the Recluse | Beware of false prophets (Matt. 7:15)

From the beginning of Christianity and to this day there has not been a time when this warning was not applicable.

The Lord did not indicate exactly which false prophets to beware of, for how could they be pinpointed?

They change like fashions and are continually generating more like them. They always appear in sheep’s clothing, with a likeness of good will in their deeds and a mirage of truth in their speech. In our time their clothing is sewn of progress, civilization, education, freedom of thought and deed, a personal conviction which does not allow for faith, and such like. All of this is a deceptive cloak.

Therefore, if you come across this show of clothing, do not be hasty to open your ears to the words of “prophets” dressed in such clothes. Examine closely whether there is a wolf concealed under this sheep’s clothing.

Know that the Lord is the only motivator toward true perfection, the sole softener of hearts and customs, the sole educator, the sole giver of freedom and filler of the heart with a feeling of the truth which forms a conviction so strong that nothing in the world has the power to shake it.

Therefore, as soon as you perceive in these new “prophets’s” talk some shadow of contradiction to the teaching of the Lord, know that they are predatory wolves, and turn away from them.

St. Theophan the Recluse