Fakery is Everywhere You Look

Fakes can be harmless or they can lead to death. In German, Fälschung is “fake: a worthless imitation (especially intended to deceive); it is a forgery.”
We have an amazing array of words that deal with things that are fake or false.

Things are being faked, people are often faking, and life is full of cheap imitations. There are artificial colors and artificial flavors added to foods. There are bogus offers, like “buy one and get one free.” There are mock chicken legs that aren’t really chicken at all. You can buy synthetic fibers and faux furs. There are many replicas and reproductions, but usually only one original work of art. Plastic can look like wood, and wood can even look like plastic. We can buy “egg substitutes.” Plastic flowers are man-made fakes, that often have to be touched to identify them as not living. And, of course, there are endless counterfeits and forgeries.

In German, Fälschung is “fake: a worthless imitation (especially intended to deceive); it is a forgery.”

When Fakery is Fatal

Sometimes the imitation of the real thing is not really all that big of a problem. Fake medicines are a problem, because they either don’t help or they kill. That is a big problem for those who need the medicine or a cure.

But there is one imitation that is a forever catastrophe. It is a tragedy of epic and long-lasting proportions. The imitation I am thinking of is one that Jesus talked about.

It really is foolish to tell Jesus anything that is fake, including, telling him that he is “lord.” He knows my heart and he knows your heart. We can put on a big show, and most of the world will think we are “Christian”, or we are God’s “servant” when in reality our agenda is “my will be done” not “your will be done.”

Here are the sobering words of Jesus: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” Matthew 7:21-23

How to Identify a Follower of Jesus

Jesus said there are two key attributes of his disciples. They involve love that brings glory to God. It really isn’t all about me.

John 13:35 and John 15:8

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” John 15:8

Five Minute Friday

This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up.

All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.