I recently purchased a beautiful ring at Walmart for ten dollars to be used as an object lesson. It is totally amazing. It looked like a diamond ring but it was fake. Frankly, it is difficult to believe something that looks so nice was only ten dollars. Still it was an imitation. Often, it can be difficult to recognize what is real versus what is fake for all sorts of things.

What about Christians? I expect when the idea of fake Christians is mentioned, a few names may cross your mind. We can easily fool even ourselves regarding our walk with the Lord. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). If only the Lord gave a “conformed to His image” rating like a purity rating on gold.

Are we going through the motions, or is there an intimate relationship with our Savior? Is the power of the Holy Spirit present in our lives? The Spirit is more than just the third name in the Trinity – He is needful for our lives.

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:7).

Steve