Counterfeit Charlatans or Changed Christians?

What is a real Christian? I mean the real McCoy? The genuine article? What we Aussies would refer to as fair dinkum and dinky di; without sham, shabby pretense or hypocrisy? The sort you could stake your reputation or life upon? The kind who may still be found standing for Christ when all around are falling? I'm sure we've all heard the old stories and clichés that deal with the dilemma of the identification and determination of a real Christian. Such as the little boy who, after hearing a message outlining the qualities of a real Christian, asked his father if he had ever really seen a Christian. The world around is still asking that question of us every day. Much of the world is still waiting to see one. Oh, we have plenty of the counterfeit kind; even though they may be a bit difficult to detect right away. You can submit a counterfeit coin to a bite, bounce or other test, and ultimately determine its true character. You can analyze the color, patterns and paper quality of a counterfeit note and identify most fakes immediately. When I was a practicing analytical chemist we used scientific methodology to correctly identify any substance or compound coming into our laboratory. We could break it down chemically into its molecular parts and determine its true nature.

Our Savior left us the information and methodology for accurately analyzing Christian character as well. He said, "Every tree is known by its fruit.." He also said, "A good (or saved) man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good." This is the acid test. Even the world knows that characteristics such as love, joy, peace, patience, honesty and integrity are identifying fruits of the Spirit. We can be sure they are watching the growth and production of those who claim to be Christian trees. We are surrounded on all sides by spiritual fruit inspectors and should always be mindful that our Savior said, "By this (love) shall all men know that you are my disciples."

There is a story of the little boy who was watching his pastor driving nails on a church building project. The pastor said, "Son, are you hoping to learn to drive a nail properly so you can be a carpenter when you grow up?" "No," the small lad replied, "I'm waiting to see what a preacher says when he smashes his finger!" The world is also awaiting our reaction in the crucible of crisis. Our confirmation in word and deed of the validity of our faith. They are watching to see if our profession matches our possession.