We need to be aware of the FAKE FAITH that claims Christ as an insurance policy to avoid a fiery descent into hell. That hollow faith is focused on the DOING part of Christianity—the Bible and prayer transactions. It ignores the BEING part of our faith that insists on connecting with Christ in an intimate way that transforms our heart after our head has said yes to God’s salvation promise.
FAKE FAITH fears the return of Jesus because it would shut down their dance with the world’s pleasure machine. FAKE FAITH figures…yes, I want Jesus to come back, but only later, after I have enjoyed the tantalizing trappings of this world. FAKE FAITH is a dangerous masquerade.
For believers, this conversation about FAKE FAITH brings us face-to-face with the ultimate test of SPIRITUAL AUTHENTICITY and confronts us with this piercing question: Are you EAGER for Christ to come back?
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20
Living out an AUTHENTIC FAITH is trusting God for EVERYTHING and trusting him in a way that makes us eager for the return of Jesus. And the only way to stay EAGER to greet Jesus is to steer clear of FAKE FAITH by putting BEING in Christ over DOING in the world.
The Enemy loves this part of the message. It is the perfect spot to insert the notion of PERFECTION into our head. But we know that REAL FAITH has nothing to do with perfection. REAL FAITH is all about an honest relationship with God that has us emulating Christ—the only perfect person in the history of everything.
Jesus cared deeply about having our faith be REAL FAITH. He cared deeply about our ability to fight off FAKE FAITH. And he cared deeply about AUTHENTICITY:
“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” Luke 12:2-3
I ask God to help me stay disciplined to be authentic in my faith walk and ever-watchful for the FAKE FAITH traps set by Satan along the way.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
What’s your plan to make a course correction in your walk with God when FAKE FAITH shows up?
“Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.” 1 Corinthians 1:7
