JP26: THE JESUS ETHIC: AVOIDING THE HIGH COST OF COUNTERFEIT LIVING

In a 2018 analysis, the Government Accountability Office found that two out of every five brand name products purchased online were counterfeit. These clever knock-offs look precisely like the real thing on the outside, hiding their lack of authentic design, craftsmanship, and material quality on the inside.  

The report estimates that counterfeit products cost businesses and consumers $323 billion a year.  While the cost of imitation consumer goods is enormous, Jesus lovingly warns that the cost of counterfeit Christianity is much higher.

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.  Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I tell you unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-20)

Religious leaders marked Jesus as a rebel.  They raged at his freedom to heal the sick and feed the hungry on the Sabbath resulting in accusations that Jesus wanted to abolish the Old Testament scriptures.  

Trust The Bible As Your Blueprint

In response, he affirms the Old Testament and reveals himself as its fulfillment.  In fulfilling the Old Testament Law and Prophetic writings, Jesus establishes a kingdom ethic that undoes his powerful accusers.

Jesus introduces the ethics of the kingdom of God in terms of quality measures - measures that reveal authentic disciples in an age of grandiose visions and counterfeit religiosity.  

1. Those affirmed as great because they obey God’s commands and teach others to do so.  

2. Those revealed as least because they relax the instructions of God to fit their own design and lead others down the same path.  

3. Those denied entry to the kingdom of God by designing a righteousness of their own craftsmanship and quality apart from the saving grace and power of Jesus.

There are many who argue against the Bible as a blueprint for life.  Some reject it altogether.  Some have honest questions that deserve respectful answers.  In any case, remember that Jesus affirmed them and invites us to do the Spirit-led work of searching the scriptures and following them.

Plan To Obey God

When we plan to obey God's word from the heart and “teach others to do the same” we find that Jesus bestows on us greatness in his kingdom for all of eternity.  When we obey Jesus with minimum effort and intention, we’ve drifted into chintzy habits that result in the least of heavenly rewards.  

Obeying God's word as the normal practice is unlike following a checklist.  It's a matter of the heart that flows from the grace Jesus supplies.  We obey Jesus from hearts filled with love for God and others.  

Focus on The Spirit, Not The Letter

Jesus invites us to move beyond the letter of the law to the point of fulfilling the spirit of the law.  

For example, Jesus says,

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,  and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister, will be subject to judgment.  Matthew 5:21-22

Jesus declares that fully obeying this commandment goes beyond physically avoiding the act of murder to having a heart and mind that avoids committing the act in our thoughts.  

This kind of Christ-following requires a mind, body, and soul transformation.  Authentic transformation was missing among the scribes and Pharisees who drifted over time into religious performance instead of an abiding love relationship with Father God.

Because they had not been changed on the inside, their obedience to God's word appeared legit.  They did and said the right things while pointing out the faults of others with great clarity, but on the inside, they were operating as counterfeits.  

Jesus says that the cost of practicing external religion is denied entry to God's kingdom - a price that far exceeds any amount of earthly praise.  These are harsh but helpful words in a culture that teaches, values, and celebrates external appearance over Christlike character.

Love With Actions

Listen to how the apostle John encourages us under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit when he writes

"Dear children, let us not love with words or in tongue, but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18

We know that we have shifted to authentic Christ-following when external practices are replaced by consistent habits of love and truth toward the diverse set of people close to us.   This kingdom way of life is only possible with a heart and mind supplied and changed by the transforming power of Jesus.

Have you experienced the transforming power of Jesus through repentance and faith, trusting Jesus to save you and transform you from the inside out?  If not, this is where you begin to live the authentic and abundant life in God's kingdom.  

Follower of Jesus, have you been more external than internal in your Christ-following?  If so, call on God in repentance and ask for grace to live the authentic life of a disciple of Jesus, joining the ranks of those called great in the kingdom of Heaven!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I am grateful for this loving reminder that my love for you and others must be more than external practices and words.  Please forgive all of the ways that I have made following you a counterfeit to your gospel of love for everyone.  I’m calling on you today for the grace and power needed to abide in you so that I can bear authentic fruit for your kingdom. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

The Jesus Ethic: Avoiding The High Cost Of Counterfeit Living

1. Trust God’s Word As Your Blueprint

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God  may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16

2. Plan To Obey God’s Word: Set a time each day to read and apply.  Start with the Gospel of John or the Letter of James.  Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and help you make application.

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” John 14:21

3. Focus On Spirit, Not Letter

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:7-10

4. Love With Actions:

"Dear children, let us not love with words or in tongue, but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18

‍

Photo by Gage Walker on Unsplash