"You Can't Fake It!" (Titus 1:16)

I was entertained by a recent winner on the television show, “America’s Got Talent!” Sal Valentinetti, a 20 year old pizza delivery man, was looking for his shot to stardom. He got it by channeling the chairman of the board, Frank Sinatra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGyKg2fWehU

One of the most insightful statements came from judge Simon Cowell.  "When you want to sing this kind of music, you can't fake it. You either got it in you or you don't. You are an old soul."

You can’t fake it.

Whether it is singing, working, or playing...you can’t fake it.

The Christian life is the same. When things are going well, it is easy to live with the facade of a “good” Christian. It is under stress that our true nature emerges. Many years ago, I was playing in a Christian missionary golf tournament. I was happy to be paired with a new friend. I had been visiting a new church and I had spent some time in the preceding months getting to know him. This was the first time we played golf together. It was also the last time.

I am not a very good golfer and my friend knew that when he asked me to partner with him. Predictably, it was a not a good day for either of us. His frustration increased as our bad play fed each other’s poor performance. Several times during the tournament he swore and yelled at me and said, “Come on! Can’t you play better?” I bit my lip as I noted he wasn’t playing much better. At the end of the match I attempted to shake his hand but he simply turned and walked away. He was treating me like I betrayed him. Our relationship was never the same and he never spoke to me again, even during meetings at the church. He was one of the youth leaders in the church but I saw his true heart. I soon left the church, disillusioned by his hypocrisy.

They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Titus 1:16 (ESV)

I know I have failed God and so many others by my actions and speech. God continually reminds me that I must continue to examine and test myself to know that my faith is genuine.  

I can’t fake it. It is God or nothing.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.