Counterfeit

Most of us are familiar with counterfeits.  Today we have many things that are being counterfeited, from diamonds to clothing and many other things.  How do the tellers in the bank tell the real money from the counterfeit?  They study the real thing, they handle the real thing; they don’t spend a lot of time studying the fake or counterfeit.  They handle so much money that they can tell the difference between the texture, weight and appearance.

There are times when people buy things that they think are the real thing just to find out they are counterfeits and they have been taken advantage of and lost a lot of money.  The counterfeiters figure that there is a sucker born every day and their job is to scam them and get whatever they can from them.  Far too often people get in trouble by believing in some kind of get rich scheme trying to make money the easy way.  If it sounds too good to be true it more than likely is, be careful.

Money seems to be the lure of the counterfeiter and people are taken in daily.  Money has been the downfall of many people and there are people that will do anything to get it.  The problem seems to be discontentment; not being happy with what you have.  If I remember right, one of the richest men in the world was asked, “when will you have enough?”  He replied, “when I make my next dollar.”  In other words he just wanted more and more; contentment wasn’t his strong suit.  Greed is a hard thing to control and if not dealt with it will consume you.  

Counterfeiting also happens in the church, false teachings are a means of making money at times.  Paul warned Timothy about people wanting to be rich and also worthless arguments in his day.  Read about it in 1 Timothy 6:1-12, “All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.

If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

And also verses 17-19, “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.”

We have today what is called the ‘name it and claim it’ doctrine also.  Paul warned Timothy about self-centered people who would use the church for selfish gain and teach false doctrines.  Paul tells Timothy to hold to sound doctrines and reject errors, to know the Word and keep his life pure.  Today we are responsible to study the Word so that we will know the truth and not be taken in by the counterfeit teaching that is going on.  We cannot depend on others to teach us, we need to be studying for ourselves.

The Word says this in 2 Timothy 2:15-19, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.’”

If you know the truth, it will set you free, so be careful who you follow.  Something to think about!  May the good Lord bless you and yours and may you have a great day!!