fake

Christian Knock-Offs

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
Photo by: Anne R

Knock-offs are a massive problem in America. Every day, thousands of imposter items attempt to enter the U.S., and everyday custom agents are trying to find them and keep them from being sold. They can be hard to spot at times. At first glance, the items may look authentic, but upon further inspection, one will see the flaws.

I have begun to notice in our world “Christian Knock-offs.” By that, I mean Christians that look and even sound authentic but aren’t. Oh, they will show you their spiritual practices, instruct you on what “you” are doing wrong in your life, and they may even pray for you, but when it comes to being relatable, they fail. They often work harder trying to find someone else to help you than it would take them to help you themselves. Oh, but they will take your help in an instant, so in their mind, they can be of greater service to God.

I may sound bitter, and I assure you I am not, although I have encountered many of these “Knock-Offs,” The real problem with them is they use people and then hurt them, but they never see it that way. If someone has an issue with them, they turn things and convince themselves the problem lies with the other person. What makes this matter even worse is if the fake has a position of authority. These individuals remind me of the Pharisees and or the Sadducees. Both were religious sects during the time of Jesus. They didn’t like Jesus very well; in fact, they killed him, all because the people loved and were drawn to him.

People were drawn to Jesus because He was so relatable. People felt at ease with him, accepted, and loved. This means that if we want to imitate Christ as Paul directs us to, then we need to be authentic, the “Real Deal!” The way to do that is with love. To have and to let the love of God within us shine brightly. It should shine so bright as if a light upon a hill, so others have no problem finding us, especially in a time of need.

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Cor. 11:1 (NKJV)

 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat. 5:14 (NKJV)

“ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Mat. 5:16 (NKJV)

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Counterfeit

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment

Life is hard sometimes. Lately, it seems like, for April and me, things have been more difficult than usual. Perhaps I had gotten too used to God pouring out his blessings regularly because life was easy. Direction came easy, and so did His provisions.

I know what the scriptures say about trials and patients but that doesn’t mean I have to like them! It can be extremely challenging to wait on God. To accept the idea that it is better to live according to the watch that He wears. Some people give up hope and decide to settle for Satan’s substitutes.  Their “knock-offs” of God’s original designs. “Counterfeits.”

“Satan can’t give you the fruits of the Spirit!”

Sadie Robertson Huff of Duck Dynasty fame.

He can’t give you love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, goodness, kindness, gentleness, or self-control. If you think he can, examine it thoroughly because it’s a fake!

You know, perhaps God’s pouring out His blessings from a higher dimension, and that is why it is taking longer to get here but when it does it will be abundant, more than enough, overflowing. “Okay, God. I’ll wait for your originals in my life. Thanks and I love you!”

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.