Be Real

I’ve never met a person that said to me, “Pastor, you know what I really like? Fake people.” Revelation 22 teaches us that God doesn’t either...

“Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.” – Proverbs 28:18

“Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” – Revelation 22:15

I’ve never met a person that said to me, “Pastor, you know what I really like? Fake people.” Revelation 22 teaches us that God doesn’t either. God places those who “practice falsehood” in the same category as murderers. That’s His opinion of those who act one way around some people, then act another way around others. That’s God’s opinion of professing Christians who claim the name of His precious Son, and then lie, cheat, steal, cut down others with their tongues, or live in any other form of falsehood. Judas is probably the bible’s greatest example of this. Those who practice falsehood are those who will act nice to a person’s face, hug their neck, and like Judas – may even kiss their cheek in public; when in reality they speak evil of these same people behind closed doors. If that statement offends you, then repent.

This short devotion, however, is aimed to help those who have been the target of “those who practice falsehood.” There are four things that you need to be reminded of when you find yourself betrayed by those who practice falsehood.

1. Jesus was betrayed by Judas. You are not alone. Choose to continue to love people just like Jesus loves you. Refuse to let the actions of fake people cause you to become pessimistic in your outlook towards life or towards people.

2. All those who live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12) Being a real man or woman of God will bring persecution, especially from those who refuse to walk in the same path of obedience to God’s Word. Your very willingness to live by the commands of Scripture and in accordance with God’s Word is what they inwardly despise.

3. God will deal with it. You don’t have to. First, in eternity: Revelation 22:15 tells us the ultimate end of those who practice falsehood; it’s with the sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters. When we truly see this our hearts will cry out to God that these people might repent and be saved. No true Christian should ever desire another person to go to hell. However, make no mistake about it, this is the final destination for those who practice falsehood if they do not repent and turn to a sincere life of following Christ Jesus and being obedient to His commands – all of them. Second, here in this life: Proverbs 22:18 tells us that “Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.” Those who walk in integrity always remain in the end. Those with devious ways always end up failing. We’ve all seen it more times than we wish. Just let it play itself out. The truth is always revealed. Just watch and see.

4. Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21) You will never grow spiritually if you attempt to get down in the mud puddle and throw mud with those who live down there. You must rise above it and choose to love people, even your enemies. You must remember that the only way to overcome evil - is with good. Be good. Be loving. Be kind. Be true. If anything, learn the lesson that you see before you and refuse to ever become like “those who practice falsehood.” Be real.

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