Cheap Imitation

November 5, 2009

By Hal Donaldson

Walking through an open-air market, I spotted a vendor selling watches. The prices were remarkable. For $10 I could buy a watch superior to the one on my wrist.

“Good quality?” I asked.

“As good as the real thing,” the vendor replied.

I knew it was a cheap imitation, but it looked expensive and the hands were moving in the right direction. So I opened my wallet and landed the “deal of the day.”

I boasted about the purchase to my friends. Then, two days later, the face of the watch fell apart and the poor craftsmanship on the inside was exposed. Instantly my arrogance turned to embarrassment and disappointment.

Years have passed and I still have the watch. More accurately, I have the pieces to the watch. They serve as a reminder of the difference in quality between the real thing and a cheap imitation.

Regrettably many today have embraced imitation faith. They claim to be Christians, but they don’t follow the teachings of Jesus. They view Christianity as a convenient brand name rather than a personal relationship with a living Savior.

Imitation faith is worthless, powerless religion. Yet it appeals to many because it costs nothing and has the appearance of authenticity. Their “Christian” label has more to do with church affiliation or maintaining a public image than serving Jesus. They believe in His existence and can recite religious jargon and tradition, but they don’t know the Son of God.

Why would anyone settle for less than an authentic relationship with Jesus? Knowing Him means you have His friendship, forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life. If you haven’t already, invite Him to be your Lord, and discover the difference between having religion and having Jesus.

Then the next time someone asks if you’re a Christian, you can reply, “I used to call myself a Christian, but now I’m a follower of Jesus Christ.”

— Hal Donaldson served as editor of the Pentecostal Evangel for 13 years, and leads Convoy of Hope in Springfield, Mo.