Spotting a Counterfeit

image link

Do you know how to spot a counterfeit? I've heard it many times that the best way to spot a counterfeit is to be so familiar with the true that you don't have to know the various anomalies in the fakes to be able to recognize the forgery. I have also seen that as a teaching lesson for  knowing difference between the real Jesus amongst all the fakes from the cornucopia of false religions and false doctrines that seem to abound more and more these days. I know this....and yet I still tend to look for the errors instead of continuing to keep my eyes on the genuine. This came to an ugly head for me recently when I mentioned to DebbieLynne that I disagreed with a video link she had up. I did say that it was a minor point, but that in my estimation it decreased the impact of the message.

While out and about today, my husband and I discussed various ways we can get it wrong, and that we can point to errors and shortcomings and flaws every moment of every day and still never come to the point that we discover and disclose all the wrongs in this world. Is that what Jesus meant by saying that we must not hide our light but rather put it on a candlestick (Luke 11:33)? Should we go chasing down every error and every false teacher and point our fingers at them continually? Or will their falseness become apparent if we light up the darkness with the light of Christ? 

My husband wisely said the Bible warns us to avoid those who teach and do falsely. It really doesn't say we are to make a point of continually pointing out those who do not get it right, it just says we should simply avoid them. Yes there are verses where Paul mentions some persons by name to warn others of their evil and destructive ways, but to be honest I do not see the instruction in scripture that we are to make that our way of life in showing our obedience to Jesus.

Romans 16:17-19

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.   For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.   For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

If we truly continue following Jesus, only looking to Him, continuing in all humility and sincerity to seek His will in our lives, we won't have time to concern ourselves with pointing to the sins and follies of others...and by continually pointing out flaws, big and small, being busybodies in the affairs of others doings, we take time away from worshiping and honouring Him who deserves all our attention, and honour, and praise. Certainly there are times when we are to warn the unbeliever in his way as the Lord gives us the utterance to speak, but more often than not the way we live our lives should show the light of Jesus enough to convict others of sin, and the fountain whereby cleansing and healing is to be found by the Holy Spirit in our lives.

So let us continue in welldoing:

Romans 12:15-21 

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.   If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.   Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.   Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.