Daily Devotional
Why Do People Counterfeit Christianity?
“Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, “Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?” He said to them, “An enemy has done this.” The servants said to him, “Do you want us then to go and gather them up?” But he said, “No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”’”
Matthew 13:24-30
June 17, 2024
Ponder This
When people choose to make counterfeits, they don’t make counterfeit gum wrappers, but fifty- or hundred-dollar bills. Why? A hundred-dollar bill is worth something. People don't counterfeit that which is worthless, but that which is worthwhile.
Every counterfeit Christian is a testimony to the value and the genuineness of the real thing. It’s a reverse testimony for Christ. Some say, “I don't want to be a Christian because of hypocrites.” How foolish! How many of you eat bread? Would you say, “Well, because there’s some tares in the world, I’m not going to eat any more bread?” Of course not.
Hypocrites, counterfeit Christians, false disciples, and false ministers have not taken God by surprise. People counterfeit that which is worthwhile, and the Bible says, that’s exactly what will be happening until the end of the age.
- How have you allowed the actions of others to affect your relationship with God? How is He speaking to you about that?
- What are some reasons the Gospel is worthwhile?
Practice This
Pray to live as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ in a counterfeit world.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
