Christian Pretenders

Christian pretenders abound. Pretending to be a Christian is not that hard. Learn the talk, fake the walk, and enjoy being welcomed with open arms at the little white church down the street. Find a job to do, serve with a smile, and most will never know you’re a counterfeit.

Invest time around professing Christians and you may meet one that makes you wonder, “Is this guy’s faith for real?” Perhaps his words or his actions seem out of place. Try to share your beliefs with others and see how quickly you are told, “The church is full of hypocrites.” I don’t have an excuse for that one. It’s true.

Jesus invested 3 years with a group of 12 men yet one was a phony. Judas Iscariot followed Jesus because of the money, power, and prestige. And he did not fool for a minute. John’s Gospel tells us Jesus:

“…knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.” John 2:24-25 (NASB)

Judas was a consummate actor, and though he fooled the other disciples, Jesus knew Judas was a fake. Judas modeled the walk and talk so well that no one suspected him of being the traitor who would betray Christ. In fact, his trust level was so high he became the money manager for the group. See John13:21-30.

What grace Jesus practiced! He chose Judas for the team, loved him, invited him to fellowship, shared meals with him, and included him in tutoring sessions about Kingdom matters—all the while knowing Judas was following another path.

Did Judas’ betrayal hurt Jesus? Of course it hurt. The same as it hurts people when I claim to be something I am not.

Christians, be real. There are enough phonies in the world.