Aunthentic Christianity

Recently, for our daughters "sweet 16" birthday, we surprised her with a very unique and special ring. Not only was the green gem stunning, but it was accented with a small diamond on each side. We wanted to give her something very special for her sixteenth birthday. The look on her face was priceless as she opened her gift...

One of the first things that Anna said to us about her ring was, "Is it real?" I can't tell you how many times in the past week she has asked if her ring was the "real thing"?

It's easy to show the authenticity of jewelry, if you don't have the proper paperwork, you can always take it to a jeweler who can appraise it and confirm the genuine value of the gem. In God's eyes, each of us are gems to Him, but showing the authenticity of our Christianity to others takes more than words.

God knows our heart and knows how real our faith is, but sometimes we try to be something we are not. It seems strange to me how some people try to be more "spiritual" than they really are. When you consider that true spiritual maturity involves deep humility and the utmost integrity, it seems ironic to me that people try to "put on". Some people are intrigued with the Christian lifestyle but yet have not committed to a real relationship with God.

"Imposter" Christians are not always easy to spot. For one thing, they blend in with the real Christians. They know the talk. They know the walk. But the one thing missing with the fake or imposter's is that they do not KNOW God. It may be easy to fool people, but we can never fool God. Look at Ananias:

ACTS 5:1-6 "But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.' 5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it. 6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him."

I don't know if Ananias was an imposter Christian or not but at times people can be just like Ananias. We try to play up our spirituality. We say things that we really don't mean and pretend to do the right thing, all so others will think highly of us.

As you can see with Ananias, in the end, the truth of our character, integrity and faith will be revealed. We may be able to fool those around us, but God is never fooled by our phony ways. In the end, He will give us the stamp of authenticity...

 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ -Matthew 25:21

May we all be found to be the real deal. Genuine. May we be found to be authentic!