Counterfeit or the Real Thing?
By Karen D’Amore
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing,
but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
Matthew 7:15
A routine night on patrol was interrupted by a peculiar dispatch. FBI agents were requesting a patrol car to assist with busting a counterfeit purse party. The crime scene was cluttered with hordes of women gawking at affordably priced knock-off Prada’s, Louis Vuitton’s, Gucci’s and more. Unfamiliar with the crime-in-progress, I was humored by the next day’s local news headlines: “Harmless Hobby or Fashion Felony?” and “Purse Parties…An Accessory to Crime!”By Karen D’Amore
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing,
but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
Matthew 7:15
Not being a connoisseur of designer handbags, when put side-by-side with the counterfeits, I could not distinguish the fakes from the real thing. Educating myself on the elements of the crime, I learned that manufacturing and distributing counterfeit merchandise is a violation of registered trademark laws. The key issue is that the counterfeit product cheapens the value of the authentic one. Advanced technology has empowered manufacturers to produce near-identical copycats, thus casting confusion amongst consumers seeking authentic merchandise.
As Christ followers we face a similar battle with Satan…the master deceiver and genuine copycat. He has never specialized in originality, so he is quite accomplished in the art of copying and confusing issues. Wherever we see the genuine work of the Spirit of God, Satan will manufacture his own imitation. Satan’s business tactics are to flood the market with cheap counterfeits in order to cloud discernment between truth and lies.
Today, more than ever, we must be wary about deceptive doctrines being taught under the guise of Christianity. Satan uses false teachers as his accessory to counterfeiting and deception. As Christ followers we are called to test and examine all teaching according to Scripture. For our spiritual health and safety, we must grow in understanding and application of the truth of God’s Word. This requires us to be perpetual students of the Word and to seek constant spiritual discernment.
Whether it is designer handbags or the Truth of God, the only way to recognize the counterfeit is by truly knowing the real thing. Let’s “purse-u” a close relationship with the Designer, guarding ourselves from the “clutch” of counterfeits!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you examining all teaching against the Word of God?
2. How well do you know the Real Thing? Can you spot the counterfeits?
FURTHER READING:
1 John 4:1-2; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4; Acts 17:11b; Mark 13:22-23; Proverbs 2:11
Married to husband Dan, Karen manages Intrigue Salon & Spa, is the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study, and co-leads a freshman girls’ small group.
