Does anyone really like fake things? We may be told that it is “just as good as the real thing,” but does anyone believe that? We don’t like fake food, fake news, or fake clothes. We want the genuine article, don’t we? If we can be so “particular” about our food, clothing, and the products we buy, what makes us think that the Lord is satisfied with fake devotion or fake religion? Can’t the one is who truth Himself (John 14:6; Isaiah 65:16) see through our pretense? Yet so often we try to fabricate a good appearance of our relationship with God – using outward markers, our reputation, and the like. Thankfully the Lord warns us in His Word not to trust in such appearances, but instead to seek after Him with our whole heart, strength, and mind. If we want to know whether we are true followers of Christ, we must “Look to the Heart” (Romans 2:25-29).

I.   A False Security
A.  Resting in the Sign
B.  The Sign Should Point to the Reality

II.  Real Righteousness
A.  Don’t Settle
B.  Do Cultivate