Mistaken Identity Can Be Deadly

Do you know what Black swallow-wort is?

Native to European countries, the Black swallow-wort -- a cousin of North American species of milkweed,
is invasive to this continent, having been introduced by a plant collector in Massachusetts, and recorded as spreading by accident since around 1864.

So why are we talking about native Milkweed's annoying cousin? Entomologists and butterfly enthusiasts have noted another marked difference between what is also called "Black dog-strangling vine" (how's that for an evocative name?) and the native plant. While Monarch butterflies more or less live and thrive on native milkweed, its European cousin is actually deadly to the insect.

It turns out, this invasive plant registers to the butterfly as similar to its usual nutrition source, providing similar stimuli. However, when mama butterfly lays her eggs on the Black swallow-wort, the caterpillars who hatch are killed by the toxins in the plant. To the Monarch butterfly, this European vine looks like her usual milkweed. It smells like it. But it is certain death to any Monarch who eats it.

As Christians, we are inundated by teachings that sound an awful lot like Scripture. Sometimes, these things are throw-away lines, heard in our day-to-day lives. "Cleanliness is next to Godliness." "God helps those who help themselves." But sometimes, they are in the form of teaching -- often right from the pulpit. We are lulled by the spiritual-sounding words. Maybe they promise health and wealth (after all, didn't Jesus say He wanted us to have an abundant life?). Maybe they promise blessing in exchange for financial gifts (God loves a cheerful giver!). Maybe the words make us feel good about ourselves by condemning all those sinners out there.

It sure does sound like Scripture. But it's poison.

The apostle Peter issued a stern warning against those who would lead God's flock astray.

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Don't be fooled! These so-called teachers and preachers may come in with pretty words, and tickle your ears with happy thoughts, but feeding on their teachings will poison your soul and lead you to death. The Gardener is coming, and these fake weeds will soon be rooted out. In the meantime, keep watch, and see that you are checking what you learn, not just against what sounds good, but against the truth of Scripture.  


(Thanks to Wikipedia's entries on the Monarch Butterfly and Black swallow-wort)