How do you know week 42, 2012

How do I know what? That he’s a highly rated man of God; you seem very excited about his ministrations. Ah the signs are there. What signs? His prophecies are very accurate. Are you sure he hasn’t inside information? With technology now, and a little bit of psychology, I could tell you a lot about yourself which would surprise you. Uncle this one is for real. Is that? He had prophesied increase for me this year, and guess what? My long delayed promotion has come through. You don’t say! Ah wait now. He had prophetic unction about babies to be born to people in our congregation and a childless couple is getting ready to dedicate their new baby. This is for real uncle! Well the details are impressive but accuracy of prophecies is no proof he is a man highly rated by God. You have started again! Is it not written in Act 2:22(ESV) "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst ? What is the sign you need? Do you remember Balaam? Were not his prophesies accurate about Israel, and did he not clearly prophecy about Jesus? Indeed it is written the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth and said, "Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak." in Num 23:5(ESV). Yet he was given to divination and sorcery (Num 24:1). Balaam was a prophet of God gone astray. None who never knew God could speak from Him. Perhaps you do not know of Caiaphas. The High Priest who arranged to kill Jesus? Did he prophesy? Haven’t you read Jn 11:51(CEV)? Caiaphas did not say this on his own. As high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation. These two accurately prophesied about Jesus yet were disqualified. So how do we tell if not by these? Jesus clearly told us how we know a man is from God: "Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheeps' clothing but inwardly are savage wolves. By their fruit you will know them Mat 7:15, 16(ISV). Check out the fruit of his life first. What is happening in his relationships with fellow workers? By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Jn13:35(ESV). This is the way God rates people: not by the measure of unction they display, or the miracles that flow from them, but the measure of Christ- the measure of love- manifesting. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing 1Cor 13:2(ESV). How do you rate in heaven's guage?