What is the best method of spotting counterfeit money?
I can assure you it is not our current practice of having every sales clerk swipe a pen across every bill that passes by them. While this might catch some bad counterfeiters, it does not catch the truly sophisticated folks. I think it catches those who have been passed fake money, but the big time counterfeiter would never be so stupid to get caught in this manner!
No, the best way to spot counterfeit money is to spend hours looking at and studying real ones.
I never had this training, but I am told that to those who have looked at and studied a real $20 or $50 bill for hours can immediately spot a counterfeit even if it looks and feels good to the average eye.
What is one such cheap imitation that keeps us from believing and knowing the true gospel?
I can assure you it is not our current practice of having every sales clerk swipe a pen across every bill that passes by them. While this might catch some bad counterfeiters, it does not catch the truly sophisticated folks. I think it catches those who have been passed fake money, but the big time counterfeiter would never be so stupid to get caught in this manner!
No, the best way to spot counterfeit money is to spend hours looking at and studying real ones.
I never had this training, but I am told that to those who have looked at and studied a real $20 or $50 bill for hours can immediately spot a counterfeit even if it looks and feels good to the average eye.
I think this same principle applies to understanding and spot true from false theological ideas. The best way to spot a counterfeit idea is to take a look at the gospel for long periods of time. We should study it intently and allow its shape, texture, and form penetrate deeply within our mind, heart, and soul.
When one knows the true, life-transforming gospel, fakes look cheap and unappealing!
In my humble opinion, the problem is that many professing Christians have not had the opportunity to study and know the real gospel. Why? Because our theology is shallow, pragmatic, and not truly biblical. Unknowingly, many of us have settled for cheap imitations of the real gospel.
What is the result?
As a Church, we have lost our prophetic witness. As individuals, we do not know how to grow in grace and godliness. In other words, "we have a form of godliness, but we deny its power." (2 Tim 3:5)
When one knows the true, life-transforming gospel, fakes look cheap and unappealing!
In my humble opinion, the problem is that many professing Christians have not had the opportunity to study and know the real gospel. Why? Because our theology is shallow, pragmatic, and not truly biblical. Unknowingly, many of us have settled for cheap imitations of the real gospel.
What is the result?
As a Church, we have lost our prophetic witness. As individuals, we do not know how to grow in grace and godliness. In other words, "we have a form of godliness, but we deny its power." (2 Tim 3:5)
What is one such cheap imitation that keeps us from believing and knowing the true gospel?
Trevin Wax calls it the therapeutic gospel.
This imitation gospel has many forms, but all of its forms revolve around me as as individual. It makes the faith about making me happy and fulfilled as the highest goal in life.
Why is this so appealing?
Because our fallen state leaves us feeling and knowing that something is missing. We so desperately want peace, security, love, wholeness, and happiness. Of course God must want this too!
This imitation gospel has many forms, but all of its forms revolve around me as as individual. It makes the faith about making me happy and fulfilled as the highest goal in life.
Why is this so appealing?
Because our fallen state leaves us feeling and knowing that something is missing. We so desperately want peace, security, love, wholeness, and happiness. Of course God must want this too!
So what is so wrong about these desires? Does not the gospel proclaim that true joy, peace, and love are found in Christ?
Of course it does! That is why this counterfeit is so attractive. The problem is when we believe that joy, peace, and love means fulfilling the "American dream." The problem is most apparent when we make God our puppet to help us achieve our goals. In other words, for those who embrace this counterfeit gospel, God's purpose is our happiness instead of our purpose being to glorify and enjoy God.
Of course it does! That is why this counterfeit is so attractive. The problem is when we believe that joy, peace, and love means fulfilling the "American dream." The problem is most apparent when we make God our puppet to help us achieve our goals. In other words, for those who embrace this counterfeit gospel, God's purpose is our happiness instead of our purpose being to glorify and enjoy God.
To illustrate this point, Wax uses the illustration of a happy meal. As he states,
The brilliance of the Happy Meal comes from its promise not only of the toy, but of happiness. The mere thought of a McDonald's Happy Meal lights up a child's face. Parents aren't just purchasing greasy chicken and soggy French fries; they are purchasing an experience that will make their kids feel good.
Sometimes we package the gospel in a way that makes God out to be a kind of Ronald McDonald who wants to give kids a Happy Meal. We make 'pursuing happiness' the central goal of life, and we work toward this goal by being nice and helpful to other people. Whenever we do have conflicts, we resolve them quickly so we can restore our own peace of mind. As peace of mind becomes the goal of the Christian life, the idea that we would need peace with God slowly becomes incomprehensible. (after all, what could Ronald McDonald possibly have against me?)
How do you know whether you've fallen for the Happy Meal gospel? One very practical way is to examine your prayer life. When are you most likely to go to God in prayer? What kinds of requests do you make? Is your biggest concern your unmet emotional needs? Or are you concerned about how your life reflects the glory of God? (45)
I believe the gospel counterfeit is particularly appealing anywhere in the world that has been influenced by rampant consumerism. In fact, most of us who have the means to read this blog believe it at some level! The real problem with this counterfeit is that it denies the reality of our sinful heart that is in rebellion against God. It believes that our tendencies and desire are all sent from God. It denies the weakness of our flesh and the temptations of world to excite our flesh to walk apart from God.
At its root, this form of spirituality will sap our joy. It cannot explain suffering and sin. It cannot tolerate difficult times. It lacks any power to put to death our very real sinful nature. In fact, it is so popular because it appeals directly to the worst part of us- that which is in rebellion against God!
What do you do if you have slipped into this belief? Repent and believe the real gospel. Take a look at the real gospel in great detail. Find a local church body that is dedicated to it. Ask the HS to change your heart so that you deeply desire God's glory more than your own.
In other words, grow up as a believer and pursue maturity! How? Walk in true repentance and faith.
In other words, grow up as a believer and pursue maturity! How? Walk in true repentance and faith.
Thanks for this thought-provoking piece. I have a book on my to-read list by Michael Horton titled /Christless Christianity/ which I think explores this in more detail. Are you familiar with it?
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Stan
Stan:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice note. I have not read this book by Michael Horton, but I did enjoy his book The Gospel-Centered Life. I know Horton is part of the Reformed Church family that takes such thought seriously. I also need to read this book. So many books and so little time!
Blessings back,
Greg