Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Matthew 7:13-20
What exactly is the evidence of the Holy Spirit? Many have said it is the ‘gift’ of tongues. Many within the Charismatic movements (Pentecostal, Apostolic, Assemblies of God, etc.) have lowered the ‘bar’ of evidence of the Holy Spirit to a few syllables being uttered by the “recipient”. If we look at the above scripture we know that it is the “fruit” that determines the kind of ‘tree’ / person. How fast can you know what kind of tree it is if it isn’t fruit harvest season? Unless you’ve been around long enough to know what kind of fruit was harvested before, how do you know if they actually produced that particular ‘fruit’ that they say they have? Do you know the fruit of the Holy Spirit so well in your own life that you can recognize it in someone else? Obviously ….outwardly, all the wolves look and sound really good!
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14
I personally believe that the real evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in someone’s life is His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23 – all nine). A life filled with His real fruit cannot be faked. The discernment coming from the Holy Spirit is very needed when trying to determine whether an individual really is who they say they are. Now in this ‘time’ so many of our ‘teachers’ are a digital image or voice — and we’ve never met them ‘in person’ or spent any real time with them. Likewise …so many Pastors today have almost zero personal relationship with their supposed ‘flock’. In fact, many seminaries teach that a pastor needs to keep their distance from any personal relationships with their congregation. I’ve seen that model over and over. That just isn’t scriptural. If you really want a vibrant real relationship with a mentor … than do it face to face (in person in the same space / not via screens) as much as you can. I know that statement will make many who have digital ministries upset. Actually…I’m in the same ‘boat’, but my motivation is to spur the reader to the Holy Spirit foremost and then to find a mentor who actually they can meet with in person. Your mentor needs to be a real person whom you spend time with one on one. So many claim that their ‘Pastor’ is their mentor and teacher but have never even had a real conversation with them. The kind of relationship that Jesus modeled with His disciples is what what He wants for us. Jesus is THE model for mentorship.
Do you have a mentor? Is the Holy Spirit your MAIN spiritual Teacher? Who do spiritual mentors go to? First .. they go to the Holy Spirit … as they should be directing you to do so. Then if they are blessed …they have personal relationships with other seasoned mentors and spiritually mature individuals that challenge them to go deeper in intimacy with God.
Do you have community and individuals that challenge you to go deeper spiritually? Do you have ‘real’ people that you interact with regularly throughout your week that you can ask spiritual questions? Do you wrestle together with spiritual matters and understanding? Do you learn from them? Does the Holy Spirit confirm their words?
Become a good spiritual ‘fruit inspector’. Observe well. Ask the Holy Spirit about what your observe. Pray for those you ‘observe’. Don’t use your inspection and observation as ‘judgment’ against the individual but as an opportunity to pray for them through the direction of the Holy Spirit. Pray for them with the Fruit of the Holy Spirit engaged within you.
Have you found a mentor you can personally engage with on a regular basis?