"Phony Christians" A.K.A. "Imitation Christians"
Last weekend, a talk show host who is well known for left leaning ideology went on a rant about so-called Christians who oppose the health care program that is now law. He said that "getting rid of the law will cause children to die, and as a result, children of God will die". Of course this caused a controversy and many of the people who call themselves Christians responded in many ways.
Before we take offence to such language, we need to evaluate what he said and come to the realization that there are many "phony Christians" in the world today. A "phony" is someone or something that is not real or genuine. It means a "fake" or "pretend" person who wears a name or title, yet is not the real thing. We have to affirm that there are many of these fakes out there.
We realize that there are many people who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. However, when you look at their lives, it is apparent that they have not made a commitment to Christ and that is evident by the way they talk, behave, act, and live. Apparently some believe that if you believe in God, it automatically makes one a Christian. Others might believe that since they go to a church which claims the faith of believing in Jesus; it makes them a Christian. Not so!
Matthew 7:22 reads: "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?" What needs to be emphasized in this verse is the first word. "Many" which means "not a few".
Jesus described many of these in Matthew 7:15: "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves". It should not surprise us any that many who claim to be Christians are actually servants of Satan. Romans 6:16 tells us that we are the servants of the one we serve. It does not matter what you claim or who you claim to obey, it is your actions that determine who the real object of your affection belongs to.
Isaiah speaks of those who honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him (Isaiah 29:13). The heart is where you lay up your treasure (Matthew 19:19-21). The parable of the two builders (Matthew 7:24-27) is explained as those who hear and follow the Lord's commands as being wise, or hearing them and not doing what He commands as being foolish. These non-followers are worshipping God in vain because they follow the doctrines and precepts of men (Matthew 15:9).
We speak of those in the church today who claim to be faithful, but are not. We sometimes call these people hypocrites and that is a fitting description. We also are aware that we may not know who these "phony Christians" are because we could be one of them.
We are commanded to walk in the light as He Himself is in the light (1 John 1:7). Failure to do so means that we are not true Christians. Everything we do is to be done with a spiritual view towards heaven. Getting ourselves there and helping others get there as well. When we fail to carry out our duty and the great commission, we join the ranks of "phony Christians".
By Carey Scott

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