Identity Theft

 “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” - Matthew 7:16

What a way to start the day! This morning I was made aware that someone was using my name and profile as their own on Facebook. I first learned of this when some Facebook friends notified me that they had received a friend request from “me.” When I researched the situation, I found another account with my name, profile and picture. However, the person's pictures and content were certainly not mine.

Sadly, it isn't uncommon to learn that someone is trying to steal your identity. I once had someone make fraudulent charges to my credit card. Sometimes a scammer will call making bogus claims, with the intent of getting money or personal data. In fact, this week at work I received a scam email, demanding money.

It is tragic that so many pretend to be someone they're not. It is even worse when this infiltrates the church. Jesus warned us about fake people in Matthew chapter 7. He warned us that there would be religious frauds. Here are three areas of identity theft that we should be aware of today.

1. FALSE PROPHETS

Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Jesus warned us that there would be “false prophets.” We are seeing this occur in front of our eyes right now. Some have claimed to be prophets, predicting future events. When these events failed to materialize, it reveals to us that such “prophets” are false. God made it clear in His Word that a true prophet of God is correct 100% of the time. Anything less is fraudulent.

I don't like it when people misquote me. Even worse, I don't like it when someone claims I said something when I did not. What about God? Do you think He likes it when someone claims to have a direct word from Him, but it is false? Beware of false prophets.

2. FALSE PREACHERS

Furthermore, beware of false preachers. Paul wrote to the Galatians, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” There are many naïve Christians who believe that everyone who preaches is called or sent from God. That is simply not true. There are false preachers. Similar to false prophets, these fake preachers provide a wrong message. Some twist Scripture to promote themselves or extract money from their followers. False prophets and false preachers fail when we test their heretical message and lavish lifestyle with the Word of God. Avoid them.

3. FALSE PROFESSORS

Finally, there are some who make a profession of faith who are not genuine believers. There is an abundance of fake church members. We typically label them as hypocrites. At church or in front of a crowd, they pretend to be super-spiritual Christians. After you are around them a while, you realize everything is just a façade. They are fake people. They talk the talk of Zion but walk the way of Beelzebub. They pretend to love Jesus but they obviously love themselves and the world instead. They act like they are holy, but their words and actions tell us otherwise. They are fakes. They are frauds. They bring shame and reproach to the Church and all who genuinely love Christ.

I have a simple word to the fakes and frauds. Repent. It is time for you to get honest with God and yourself. It doesn't matter how many followers you have on Twitter. It isn't important how many “likes” you get to your Facebook posts. God knows you thoroughly. You aren't fooling Him. It is time that you repent of your superficial, fraudulent lifestyle. Quit trying to be someone that you're not. Become the person God wants you to be.

When counterfeit money is discovered, the government destroys it. When counterfeit people face a holy God, they face the terrifying severity of His judgment.

In this superficial world of identify theft, it is time for Christians to be genuine through and through. Anything less doesn't really fool anyone.