Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 27, 2016
These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. Jude 1:12
Faith fakers are active within the community of faith—for themselves. Some have even enlisted in evil espionage. They are not true members of the faith. If so, they would be bearing fruit that remains, rather than plastic and unproductive fruit. Their misguided motives wreak havoc, like an unsuspected stealth bomber. They speak the right words and are persuasive, but their behavior is inconsistent and untruthful. Faith fakers are tireless troublemakers. Be on guard for those who wear their faith on their sleeves. They talk a good game, but they play poorly. There is no follow-through, and no give and take; but wise and discerning people will expose faith fakers. They have no patience for their shenanigans.
Do not waste your time or money on those with unholy ulterior motives. What they claim is too good to be true. It is only expedient for the moment. It is all about making them look good. Do not be naïve, for faith fakers will seek to infiltrate your church, your family, your ministry, and your business. Nothing is truly sacred for those who prostitute faith for their own purposes. If you are currently engaged with a faith faker, challenge his behavior. Deal with the facts only, because he is illusive and ambiguous with the truth. If your attempts to corral him or her have failed, take someone with you to help clarify the severity of the situation.
Faith fakers cannot be dealt with passively. They will not go away until they are exposed and held accountable. You can hope that they will change, but they may slither off into some other unsuspecting group. If you are a faith faker, you can change. You do not have to live behind this façade and fantasy of faith. You can experience the real thing. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing from the word of God (Romans 10:17). Study the lives of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) and Simon (Acts 8:18-24), and see the demise of those who lied to the Holy Spirit, and a leader who attempted to use the Holy Spirit for unholy personal gain. Their fate was final. Their influence ceased because their faith faking caught up with them. We all are faith fakers to some extent. We struggle at times to be who we are. This is okay and normal. Without struggle there is no growth.
However, faith-faking is an entirely different issue. It is using God and others for selfish and non-Kingdom outcomes. If you have become trapped in faith-faking, you can stop playing the game. You can wave the white flag of submission to God. You do not have to be in control. Capitulate to Christ and exercise authentic faith in Him. Make your motive and goal to serve people, not use people. Live a value-add life, not a parasitic life. If your disruptions have been public, then seek public forgiveness and retribution. If they have been private, then seek out the offended parties and offer sincere confession and repentance. You cannot remain a faith faker forever. The energy required to maintain the lie is intolerable. Instead, rest in God. The depth of stamina He provides is inexhaustible. Simply follow Christ with an unfeigned faith and love. The Bible says, “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, by Your Spirit help me discern those who are true followers of Jesus and those who only what to use Him for personal gain.Application
Is there a relationship you need to back away from, because their motives are suspect?Related Reading
Today’s reading is taken from Boyd’s most popular book: Seeking Daily the Heart of God, a 365 day devotional.Post/Tweet today
Nothing is truly sacred for those who prostitute faith for their own purposes. #wisdomhunters #faithfakersWorship Resource
4 minute video- I Am They: Make a Way Check out Boyd’s newest devotional book Two Minutes in the Bible Through Psalms. Order now! If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help. Our free Apple app Our free Android app
