Spotting The Counterfeits

“…having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power…” - II Timothy 3:5

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Many of us have heard about how police investigators learn to spot counterfeit money. They do so not by studying the counterfeits closely, but by learning the real thing inside and out, like the backs of their hands.

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” - Psalm 119:11

But there’s an implicit reality to this metaphor that often goes unacknowledged and unapplied. It is so obvious that most of us think right past it.

The reason such careful and deliberate study of the real thing is so necessary is because the counterfeits tend to look very, very real themselves. A casual glance won’t spot any difference. Even a close look by someone who isn’t trained about what to look for will miss it.

More often than not, when wolves wear sheep’s clothing, it is a powerfully convincing disguise.

Every New Testament book with the exception of Philemon deals in some way with false teaching or false teachers. God has gone to great lengths to make us aware of the fact that counterfeit Christians and counterfeit Christianity will be something each and every authentic Christian will have to contend with.

Things that look, sound and seem Christian are not always so. And the only defense against them is to become so accustomed and familiar with Christ and His Word that you tune your instincts and your mind to be able to spot deception when it presents itself. Sometimes the falseness will not be so apparent. It may not be something you can always clearly articulate or put your finger on. But just because you may not be able to explain why something is wrong at a particular moment doesn’t mean that everything is alright. When your instincts are saturated in the truth of the Scriptures and trained by authentic teachers and mentors, you learn to trust your gut and at least keep things at arm’s length until you know better.

Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:4-6 that, “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Christianity is a religion of great diversity and contrasts among its adherents. It incorporates different cultures and styles of worship and even allows for differences in certain doctrines and how they are applied.

But there is only one truth that will set you free (John 8:32) and one name you can call on to be saved (Acts 4:12). He is the One who makes the rules, draws the boundaries and sets the standards. Get to know Him, and you will be able to spot the counterfeits.