Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16
I used to be a little confused by that scripture. I guess that comparison to a serpent threw me off, but as always, Jesus had a clear intent when He spoke those words.
One of the cases in which we must be wise is in the case of “fruit.” I know a lot of people who equate Biblical fruit with niceness. I know a lot of people who equate Biblical fruit with signs, wonders, healing, and miracles.
If you believe someone has the stamp of approval from God because they “get words” or “signs” happen when they come to your church to preach, please read Matthew 7:13-29. The teaching about “knowing them by their fruit” is in tandem with the warning about false prophets doing works in Jesus’ name.
The post Don’t Be Naive About Miracles from You Are All Brothers does a good job of listing the scriptures that show us signs, healing and miracles are no proof of God’s approval.
the untangling 
When ‘experiences’ take presidence over scripture, you’ve got a guaranteed losing situation. I’ve been round and round with this subject with people very close to me. I always hear the argument, “But I KNEW it was God. It wasn’t “just” an experience.” How on earth do you explain to someone you love, that they’re failing to truly BE a Berean. They’re failing to perform according to Acts 17:11. That is truly a tough one.
Great post.
Annunk I feel the pain. One of the most painful discussions I’ve had is with my flesh and blood sister. She cannot believe that the nice people who tell her about meditation, seeker friendly universalism, all roads lead to God, could possibly be deceived. One of the most difficult things to discuss is “fruit” Their fruit, to her, is their volunteer work, their niceness, social justice, etc. They are ‘good’ people, so why shouldn’t she listen to them?
Still, I know the Holy Spirit can open the eyes.
that is wonderful point, thank you.