We are use to knock offs, such as clothing, jewelry, furniture, handbags, shoes……you get the idea.  We use them all the time.  They are cheap, inexpensive, and easy to get.  Knock offs also require no commitment, no maintenance, and easy to return.   This knock off mentality is also found in relationships, jobs, and even in religion. 

 

John the Baptist comes on the scene to prepare the way for the Lord’s coming.  He is the real deal, Beloved. He is a man on a mission.  The words he speaks are true, God breathed, meaningful.  The “religious” leaders come on the scene and he immediately calls them out.  He brings their knock off mentality out in the light for all to see.  They are fake.  It is all about them, their feelings, their security, their pocketbooks, power.  John was about fulfilling God’s purpose.

 

There are a lot of fake “christians” in the world today.  Let’s call a spade a spade.  They are in the “business” for money, power, recognition, and fame.  They care little of souls, truth, righteousness, or Christ.  They talk about Christ.  They sing songs to Christ, but to live Christ……………..that is different.

 

To live the life of Christ, is to sacrifice.  To live the life of Christ is not about flashy things, fame, fortune, or even power.  It is about service, washing feet, damp wash rag across a person forehead, praying with a person in jail, feeding the hungry, it is about being real.