WATCH OUT FOR 'UNREAL' PEOPLE!

 WATCH OUT FOR ‘UNREAL’ PEOPLE!

 Authenticity (a.k.a. integrity) is one of the unmistakable hallmarks of the Christian character.  Yet many people, both believers and unbelievers alike, are seriously lacking in it.

 In his book, “Growing Deep in the Christian Life,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll relates a true story about a man who appeared to be acting with utmost integrity.  Some years ago in Long Beach, this fellow went into a fried chicken establishment to purchase chicken dinners for his date and himself.  The lady at the counter inadvertently handed him the proceeds from the entire day (a bag filled with cash) instead of the chicken dinners.  After driving to a picnic site, the two sat down to enjoy their meal together.  They discovered a whole lot more than chicken – over $800 in cash!

 But this particular man was an entirely unusual soul.  He quickly put the money back in the bag and returned to the restaurant.  ‘Mr. Clean’ walked in and became an instant hero.  He looked the frantic manager right in the eye and without fanfare said, “I came by to get a couple of chicken dinners and wound up with all this money.  Here it is.”  The manager was thrilled to death.  He said, “That’s fantastic, thank you so very much!  Let me call the newspaper and they’ll write a story with your picture since you’re the most honest person I’ve ever known!”  To which that man quickly responded, “Oh no, don't do that!”  Then he leaned closer to the manager and whispered, “You see, the woman I’m with isn’t my wife...she’s, uh, somebody else’s wife.”  This man seemed to be for real, but only in certain aspects.  Otherwise not.

 People do strange things to get over.  The March 1980 edition of “Reader’s Digest” advised caution for tourists planning to vacation in Zambia.  It warned, “beware of street-corner emerald vendors.  And if you’re driving, be prepared for confusion on the streets, owing to stolen traffic lights.”  These two different travel warnings were actually related.  The traffic light thieves were selling green glass chips to unsuspecting tourists who thought they were getting bargain-basement emeralds.  Bottom-line: Things aren’t always what they appear to be, neither in marketing nor in life, so let the buyer beware!

 Unfortunately, anyone who falsely purports to be a believer is arguably the worst and most disastrous commercial for Jesus Christ.  Hypocrisy kills.  Indeed, it causes the practitioner to have a seared conscience.  That is, according to the Apostle Paul, such persons have been misled by “deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” (I Timothy 4:2)  However, hypocrisy not only has an adverse impact on its perpetrator, it nullifies Christian witness and the emergence of faith in unbelievers.  I repeat: Hypocrisy kills.

 If you intend to be a Christian disciple, fence-sitting is never ever advisable.  It places one in mortal danger because a “seared conscience” has the potential result of becoming permanently immune to the reception of gospel truth.  It invariably leads one to a “strong delusion.” (II Thessalonians 2:11) 

So be for real.  Don’t ever play around with God or His people.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!