Phony Rolex Watches

Rolex watches, Gucci pocketbooks, Nike and Under Armour sports apparel filled the street market in Delhi, India. Surrounded by this merchandise, I never for a moment thought that these articles selling for a fraction of the cost of the real thing were anything but phonies – fakes! But I also never thought to criticize Rolex because of bad people selling imitations of the real products.

How do I tell the difference between true Christianity and its imitations? True Christianity is costly, involving loving my enemies, spurning self-righteousness (so hard for me to do) and sacrificially committing myself to God and His Word. Jesus gave his disciples a test to distinguish phony from true faith.

By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. (Matthew 7:16-17 NIV) 

My desire to reflect the true Christ to the world will be evidenced in Holy Spirit nurtured fruit in my life – costly and not phony.

Join me this week in sharing true Christianity – Christ – to the world.

Sharing the journey with you,