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Pretend Play
We all used to play pretend, when we were children. Maybe you were a “cowboy or an Indian,” “monster or an alien,” or a “cook or a pirate.” As children, we live out our fantasies by pretending to be something we are not. It is fun to imagine the different possibilities.
For children this is normal, but I wonder how many adults still play this pretend game. How many people pretend to be tougher than they are, to care for others, or to even be a Christian?
How many of us have been around people, who say they are Christians? They wear the shirts with scriptures, have a few gospel CDs, and can even tell you about the bible. Then in the next minute, they are talking about inappropriate material, discussing where the next happy hour is going to be, or just completely disregard what should be Christ like behavior.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
Most of us are grown, with families of our own, and it is high time for us to be concerned if we are continuing to play like we are something we are not. Far too many people approach Christianity, as if it were a “game” in which we can “play like” we are Christians. And it is not a serious matter, because when any requirement of living the Christian life conflicts with our own desires, we quickly close our eyes, shut our ears, and simply ignore that requirement, all the while still thinking that we are good Christians. We need to remember, that we can “deceive” ourselves.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:22-25
It is evident that many are “pretending to” be Christians. When one is off and on in their church attendance, haphazard in their giving, and neglectful in their service to God, one is “pretending to” be a Christian. Living the Christian life is a very serious thing.
“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another…” Hebrews 10:25
Tomorrow is not promised to us, so let us be sure that we are not “pretending to” be Christians.
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ”If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this and that.” James 4:13-15
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-14
The question is – are you . . . “pretending to” be a Christian or striving to be a true Christian ?
Let’s remember Paul’s admonition, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
- Jay Silvers
