“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:5 NLT)

 

As an evangelist, I constantly observe how two people who hear the same message will react in two completely different ways. One person will be profoundly moved, while the other will become harder in their sin.

We see the very same thing in the story of Cain and Abel. Both men were sons of Adam and Eve. Both were raised in the same home and exposed to the same spiritual message. When we first read their story in Genesis 4, it seems as though they were both believers. But time revealed that Cain was so jealous and embittered that he murdered his brother Abel.

The story of Cain and Abel ought to remind us that there are people just going through the motions, spiritually speaking. They give the appearance of being believers, but they have no real relationship with God. Or, as the apostle Paul put it in 2 Timothy 3:15: “They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly” (NLT). That’s the life story of too many people. They are all show and no go. Their faith in God is nothing more than a mere game or act.

Paul followed his description with a warning: “Stay away from people like that!” (NLT). Believers, especially young believers, can be led astray by people with an insincere faith.

Consider this. You can offer like Cain. You can weep like Esau. You can serve like Gehazi. You can be a disciple like Judas. You can recite long prayers like the Pharisees. You can be a seeking soul like the rich young ruler. You can have lamps like the five foolish bridesmaids. You can do all these things and still be lost.

Jesus was referring to God’s words recorded in Isaiah 29:13 when He said, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matthew 15:8 NLT). And while spiritual acts may fool many people, they can never fool the Lord. Remember: “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT).

That’s why it’s such a short-sighted mistake to take a surface-deep approach to the Christian faith. One day, we will all have to answer for the choices we make in this life. And Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter” (NLT).

Jesus offers not just eternal life in heaven but also “a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT) in this world. But you can’t experience it if your only concern is looking like a Christian. Jesus demands your whole heart.

Reflection Question: How can you tell the difference between a sincere and insincere faith? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

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