The Real Thing

Posted on May 20, 2020 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

“…when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you” 2^nd Timothy 1:5

What would be your advice to someone if it were the last thing you would say to them? We believe that Paul’s 2^nd letter to Timothy was his last, and it appeared that he knew that. What was on his heart to share with young Timothy before his departure as he finished his race? What would Paul want to remind Timothy of?

I’ve learned over the years that the mark of a strong believer is their genuineness, are they “The Real Thing”? I know we are not to judge someone’s relationship with God but when it becomes evident that a person is sincere, without pretense it makes fellowship rich. It’s hard to be around those that are putting on an act or what I call political correctness.

Paul’s encouragement to Timothy is to remain genuine. He achieved this quality by the influence of his mother and grandmother. What type of persona do you reflect? I can’t think of a better quality than to be genuine. Two things happen when we are real with each other, it reveals our true self and builds trust with others. When we are real, our character is exposed, we then can be conformed to the image of Christ.

Of course, this practice comes with discernment, I do believe some things are better left unsaid. The precepts of scripture outline the perimeters of our fellowship. “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma”, (Ephesians 5:2). This is a good model to live by, with the emphasis of “Sweet-smelling”. Obviously crude and rude remarks are to also be omitted.

One of the biggest hindrances of fellowship is hypocrisy, which can be defined as the absence of genuineness. When we use the terms of engagement as it is dictated in Scripture, we then can be genuine and without hypocrisy. The Psalmist says it best in Psalm 19,

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

There’s soundness that can be an effective way to minister to people that false pretense can’t. There seems to be a protective mask we put on to make people think we have it all together. I am also repulsed by flattery that is there to achieve a goal or acknowledgment. This aspect that Paul is admonishing Timothy with, must be girded in humility, an unmasking and absence of cliché-ish empty words. Be real, people want Truth, there’s enough hypocrisy in the world. Amen!

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Romans 12:9-13

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org

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Think About This: “Until you have given up your self to Him you will not have a real self.” – C.S. Lewis

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 28-32| You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:  “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. ^14 [c]Because narrow is the gate and ^[d]difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. –Matthew 7:13-14

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.