Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

I was 10 years old the summer I went to a camp in Pennsylvania where the leaders taught spiritual lessons from John Bunyan’s classic book, Pilgrim’s Progress. One of the impactful object lessons portrayed the wiles of false prophets. Jesus said they come in sheep’s clothing, but at camp they came with kittens.

My years at summer camp made a huge impact on me. We acted out Bible stories learning life lessons and biblical truths. During one hike we were instructed to stay on the path to the “Celestial City” no matter what.

As the campers ascended the winding mountain path, we came upon some older girls sitting in the wooded area off the beaten trail cuddling some little kittens. As you can imagine, many of the girls, ignoring the command to stay on the path, entered the forested area to pet the little balls of fluff. Later this group missed out on the special party held at the “Celestial City.”

This play acting of a classic story pointed to an important truth that Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount. He warned of false prophets disguised in sheep’s clothing. They would speak words that would create a sense of false peace and comfort. But, Jesus warned, they would inwardly be ravenous wolves, trying to pull His followers off the path to the Kingdom of Heaven.

A picture speaks a thousand words, so Jesus used something the people in an agricultural society could understand. These wolves in sheep’s clothing would be recognized by their fruit. A false prophet can be recognized when his teachings do not line up with God’s word.

This warning is needed today. There are myriads of influencers speaking words that sound comforting and soothing. They tell us that we are OK and will be fine. But these wolves in sheep’s clothing long to pull us off the narrow path that leads to eternal life and distract us from entering the Celestial City.

Jesus went on to warn that not everyone who calls Him “Lord, Lord” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The door is open only for those who do the will of the Father in heaven. Obedience to God’s word is the fruit that proves who are His true followers. All others will be turned away because He never knew them.

I am thankful to say that my 10-year-old self stayed on the mountain path many years ago. Yet, this simple playacting taught me a lesson about even more dangerous and real spiritual hazards.

May we all diligently seek God through His word, bearing good fruit for eternity. And may we stay on high alert and beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.