What is it about either or all, that sparks your interest or desire? What impact does each or either have upon your gustatorial delights? What impact does each or either have upon your digestive processes?
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed the matter of distinguishing the real from the unreal. He specifically focused on those persons who presented themselves in one manner, while actually performing in another. The “sheep and goats,” or “false and true prophets.” He presented a clear and accurate way to distinguish both – “by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Recently, numerous politicians have paraded under the banner of being and acting as “Christians.” They have presented themselves holding Bibles – even upside down – and quoting or referencing verses of scripture alluding to some biblical support for whatever position, plan or proposition that they may be promoting. Even in the name of God!
William Shakespeare clearly affirmed a needed truth in his poetic declaration that “a rose by any other name would still be a rose.” I dare affirm an even greater truth – “a rose by any other name would still have a thorn.” That’s the true nature of things.
The truthful nature of anything is not based on how it looks or portrays itself. Various creatures on earth are capable of mimicking the appearances of other creatures. Those Hebrew spies who were sent to spy out the Promised Land realized that they appeared as “grasshoppers” to those giants. The real tragedy was that those same spies began to view themselves in the same light that they were being perceived by others.
It is not only tragic, but also self-deceiving to try to present oneself to be something that he/she truly is not. Trying to be something that you aren’t prevents people from seeing and encountering, not only what you really are, but also what you are supposed to be.
Recently, numerous politicians have paraded under the banner of being and acting as “Christians.” They have presented themselves holding Bibles – even upside down – quoting and referencing biblical principles, while personally and collectively espousing non-Christian practices. Recently, numerous politicians have paraded under the banner of being and acting as “Christians.”
Many have quoted various verses of, or references to scripture intended to persuade others to support whatever position, plan or proposition that they may be promoting. Even in the name of God.
The detrimental tragedy is that far too many people may buy into their allusions, rather than to confirm their intent to and/or impact on your response to their appeals. Some folks focus more on the sound, appearances, emotional feelings or even the proposed intent of the appeal rather than the resultant effects of their appeal upon whomever they may be trying to influence – you!
How true that old saying that “everything that looks good to you, ain’t always good for you!”
Enter the false prophet or politician. The wolves in sheep’s clothing! Just because one invokes a religious concept does not mean that they are being guided by religious principles.
How does one justify promoting Christian principles and values, while, at the same time, promoting attitudes and actions directly in opposition to the teachings of Jesus and the Bible? How can one view this nation “under God,” and at the same time, oppose the word and principles of God?
How can one stand up for those who built this nation and still disown, discredit and divorce themselves from the African slaves, Irish, English and Asian immigrants who helped to build this nation, including literally building the White House itself! And then assume that God is pleased with those ungodly principles and practices?
How can any “nation under God” believe, promote, defend and practice anything contrary to God’s word and still assume that they and their actions are in compliance with his will for “his” nation? Or that God is pleased with their beliefs, principles, policies and practices? Even those claiming, acting and perceiving themselves as “quasi kings.”
These are the actions of the false prophets that Jesus was talking about! These practices are the “fruit” that these false prophets are producing. There is no room for doubt. Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them.”
Open your eyes. Observe the behavior. Acknowledge the truth. Realize and admit that “lies” are evil. “Shun the very appearance of evil.”
What “fruit basket” are you really preferring and promoting?
Pastor Samuel W. Hale, Jr. is the former pastor of Zion Missionary Baptist Church and president of J.L. Powell Mission Ministries.
This article appears in September 17-23, 2026.
