You Will Not Know Them By Their Gift
It's a mistake we make a lot in North America. Just because someone is talented, or a good speaker, or even performs miracles, it doesn't mean they are the "real deal". You will know them by their fruit, not by their gifting.
I've heard it said this way: The Gifts of the Spirit are spiritual power and the Fruit of the Spirit is spiritual maturity. Be very cautious around someone who operates in the spiritual gifts, but is unsafe to be around after the operation is done.
I'm not positive if the following statement is true or not, but I think it's a good thought. You can be saved without ever operating in any of the Spiritual Gifts (Prophecy, Tongues & Interpretation, Faith, etc.). However, you cannot be saved if you bear no Spiritual Fruit.
I'd rather be a lowly but fruitful strawberry patch that is stepped over by everyone than a barren Douglas Fir, seen and praised by everyone but God.
Created almost 2 years ago
