MORNING MANNA 11-18-21
SYNTHETIC SAINTS
“Let love be without dissimulation…”– Rom.12:9
The whole of our duty is to love God and others (Matt. 22:37-40). The problem is that some people have finely honed the art of deception to the point that they are not what they appear to be. That’s why Paul says “Let love be without dissimulation” (hypocrisy).
We live in the day of Synthetic Saints. Just as plastic plants can appear real so can people. Phonies are everywhere and some are very impressive when it comes to their appearance of being a Christian. But God looks on the heart, and He expects authentic Christianity – genuine godliness.
The word “hypocrisy” speaks of play acting, putting on a mask. Strictly speaking, love with dissimulation is an oxymoron, because true love is without hypocrisy. All else is as phony as counterfeit money. When such people speak of love it is a sham designed to make people think more highly of them. It’s not Biblical love.
True love is a love that loves others regardless of circumstances, cost, conditions, or consequences. It is a self-sacrificing, caring commitment that seeks the greatest good of others. True love goes the second mile, above and beyond the call of duty, rather than doing just enough to get by. It has a genuine interest in others, rather than self. But that’s not what we see today. When we do just enough to get by we are saying, “I care more about myself than I do about you or what God wants”.
Far too many folks are like Judas who betrayed Jesus with a kiss. They pretend to care when they don’t. They give you a kiss on the cheek, mutter “I love you”, and then leave you where you are without aid. They are as phony as Judas who turned Jesus over to cruel men who tortured and killed Him. Your situation is different, but your sin is of the same sort. You are more like Judas than you are like Jesus.
It’s no wonder that we have such a difficult time leading others to Christ. Synthetic saints have given them the wrong impression and made the glorious gospel repulsive to others. People judge Christ and Christians on what they see and too often we send the wrong message. May God help us to show others what true love looks like. I know, none of us are perfect yet, but in light of what our text says we ought to be on guard against pretending. Let us strive to love others as Jesus loved us – doing what is necessary to remove any doubt. True love is powerful. It will do wonders in the lives of others. And that’s what God expects. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
