Fake is Not Faith

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CBN.com – At church we look around and may think all those people in the seats around us are holy, spiritual and wise. They never use bad language, over-indulge at a party, get really mad at their spouse, yell at their kids, complain about their jobs or watch junk on TV.

Take a closer look. Each and every person sitting in those seats is human and has as many temptations, weaknesses and personality flaws as you.

If you come to church with this illusion, take the blinders off. If you come to church and try to create this illusion about yourself, take the mask off. The only way we can truly know each other as brothers and sisters in Christ is to be who we really are and let it show.

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” Matthew 6:5

There is always room for improvement and the pursuit of Godliness should be a key part of everyone’s life, but there is no room for “perfect Christians” in our church. That’s because they don’t exist this side of Heaven.

Following is an excerpt from a post in the blog of Holly Pelz (used with permission):

…I’ve gone almost my whole life feeling like a failure of a Christian. I always understood my spiritual success to be measured by an unspoken set of rules, and if I did ABCD, I’d be considered a good Christian.

At church (and with church friends) more than any other place we need to be real and seek authenticity in others. If people are putting you on a pedestal, you only have one way to go: down. If you are admiring or idolizing some “spiritual giant” you will surely be disappointed.

First Timothy 6:6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” As we open our lives up and let God’s light shine on it for others to see, they will be more inclined to reciprocate. “Timothys” will ask for guidance and “Pauls” will freely offer wisdom as Christ-centered friendships emerge.

Mistakes and failings make us “experts” in helping others avoid the same pitfalls. Only then does the Lord see us as genuinely seeking holiness. That is the measure of real faith and the beginning of spiritual freedom.

By Diane Markins
Guest Writer

Diane Markins writes and speaks in a “high def, life-transforming style” about issues that impact daily living. She aspires to reflect the love of God as a wife, mom, businesswoman, speaker and writer. She enjoys travel and has been from Mexico to Zimbabwe but always loves coming home to roost in Arizona. See more of her writing at www.WordsInHighDef.blogspot.com