Imitation

Often imitated, never duplicated is a brand slogan. It Indicates that their product is the standard or benchmark upon which all other products are compared. Many things are imitated from brands to people, but why are things imitated? They must be worth imitating. They hold value to the imitator.

Many times lobster, shrimp, and crab are imitated because they are expensive and people simply want a taste of the real thing. The same is true of Vanilla extract. It is a potent ingredient and requires very small amounts to flavor a large batch, but when imitation is used it often takes a larger dose.

And finally, if you have ever walked into a market in another country or down certain streets in our own, you have probably seen the fake Rolex watches, Nike apparel, and whatever other brand you can think of.

Question:

Why do we make the decision to purchase the thirty dollar fake Rolex that will quit working in 30 days?

Answer:

It’s because we have counted the cost and these things are worth the style, but not worth the true price. We want to invest in the appearance, but not the substance. The word “Christian” comes to mind. The Bible talks about people that exchange the truth for an imitation. They practice religion, but deny God’s power. Jesus made it clear to the self-righteous Pharisees that they were like white washed walls, but were rotting on the inside.

This is not a new problem for the church. Since the beginning there have been those who choose to use the name Christian and refuse to invest in their relationship with Christ. Make no mistake. Christ is real. His power is real and lasting. Count the cost.

Is it worth it to be a Christ follower? God thinks it is. He set the universe in motion knowing that one day, you would exist. In His infinite foreknowledge He set the world in motion. He balanced the axis of existence on the sacrifice and triumph of His son, Jesus Christ.

1 John 4:20 says, “we love because He first loved us.” Everyday we must decide if our faith is worth the price of authenticity. Are we imitating Christ or following the Pharisees? Don’t let your faith be a cheap imitation or counterfeit. Instead let it be deeper than the oceans, higher than every mountain, and its breadth wider than the expanse of sky,