A Counterfeit Faith?
Counterfeit
1. (adjective): Made in imitation of something else with intent to deceive
2. (noun): Something likely to be mistaken for something of higher value
-Definitions from Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Today, it seems we’re on the constant lookout for fakes and frauds as we are bombarded with emails, text messages, and advertising that forces us to separate lies from truth. Spotting scams requires more than knowing the latest tricks used to steal our information, time, and money. We must evaluate the sender’s message in light of what we know to be true. So, how do we avoid being taken in by counterfeits?
Knowing the authentic, genuine article is key to uncovering the fake it is trying to imitate. Government agents learning to recognize counterfeit money are trained by studying real bills. They learn their texture, weight, color, and identifying markers until they know the real money so well that they can’t be fooled by imitations.
Similarly in our faith, if we believe God is the source of our truth, knowing and following Him intimately helps us spot false teaching about Him. By regularly reading Scripture, we come to know His character and what He loves and values. We must use this lens to not only filter the lies the world tells us, but the lies we tell ourselves.
If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:6-9
“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:21-22
Just like legitimate currency, if we claim to be followers of Jesus, we should carry identifying markers in our words and actions that reveal whether we have a genuine faith or have settled for a counterfeit imitation. Is he honored in the way we speak about and treat others every day, or just on Sunday? Do the shows we watch, music we listen to, books we read, and memes we share reinforce his truth? Are we stirred to care for the poor and hurting around us, or do we ignore the Holy Spirit’s leading?
We cultivate a false faith when, instead of confessing our sins, we ignore the ones we think no one else will notice, hoping that living a mostly good life is enough for God to use us for his purposes. At the same time, we look for truth in false gods we’ve set up to worship in His place, seeking fulfillment in relationships, wealth, control, and comfort above following Him.
God is after more than our head knowledge; He wants our hearts’ transformation. Obedience to Him requires not only identifying the lies we’ve accepted but asking the Holy Spirit to replace those lies with his truth. As we fully surrender to God and walk in the light, we’ll see the evidence as He grows the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, marking them with more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. This is proof of our authentic faith.