The problem with television evangelist is just that. They are on television. There is no way to examine their lives, because we cannot know them. Jesus said to “beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Mathew 7:15). They look good. They sound good. But they are like iron pyrite (fool’s gold). They sparkle in the sun. Their words appear to have great value, but are worthless.
Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from throne bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you shall know them.” (Mathew 7:16-20).
We do well to ask, what are the fruits? Is it “good preaching?” Is it abundance of scripture? Is it reasonable presentation? Is it the way they stir our hearts? Is it the way we are moved to action?
We find the answer in Galatians 5:22-24. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is o law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” If we are unable to interact with them how can we know these things about them?
Cameras do not lend themselves to accurate fruit inspection. It is too easy to adjust the lens.
