Warning: Beware of Cheap Imitations
Reflection
Some years ago, at the height of Rosetta Stone’s popularity, I jumped on the bandwagon to learn a third language. I wrestled between French and Portuguese and settled on Portuguese with future hopes of visiting Brazil. As I shopped online, I found an ad for an unbelievable deal for the online language learning platform. I quickly followed the link to a website counting down the minutes before the deal expires. Quickly, I grabbed my credit card and secured my discounted rate. Shortly after, I received an email with a tracking number for my Rosetta Stone software package, due to arrive in five business days. A few days later, my package arrived. Eager to begin my language-learning adventure, I opened the box to find the hardware and an activation code. I inserted the CDs and inputted my activation code only to receive a daunting message, “wrong activation code.” I looked at the code and entered it again only to receive the same miserable message. At that point, I began to have a sick feeling in my stomach. I proceeded to call Rosetta Stone customer service only to learn that the activation code was fake and the entire package I had received was part of a scam based in China. The customer service agent informed me that since it was not an official Rosetta Stone product, they could do nothing for me. In other words, what I purchased was not the actual product; it did not have the endorsement of the company. It was, in fact, a cheap imitation.
Application
There is a fascinating account in the Book of Acts of men attempting to use the name of Jesus to exorcise demons. It reads:
11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their disease left them and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this.
Looking closely at the passage, we can learn a few things about the dynamics of the time. First, it is clear that a powerful movement of the Spirit was underway. It was so powerful that even the items the Apostle Paul touched had healing properties. Seeing such power provides hope to those needing physical and spiritual healing. At the same time, it can have a seductive draw on those who seek notoriety and fame. In verse thirteen, the Jewish exorcists call on the name of Jesus, “whom Paul proclaims.” Not whom they proclaim, but rather, whom Paul proclaims. They wield the name of Jesus like some magic wand, attempting to access the power without any genuine relationship with its source. The consequence of their action is rather comical but should not be taken lightly. Let’s return to the account in verse fifteen.
15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 Man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of the house naked and wounded.
Admittedly, I am a little tickled by the image of these men running out of the house naked, though I would not wish physical harm on anyone. On a serious note, there is a powerful lesson to be learned here.
Like the counterfeit Rosetta Stone package I purchased, The Jewish exorcists from the account in Acts were nothing more than cheap imitations of the Apostle Paul. They had no relationship with the source of Paul’s power and, therefore, had no endorsement from above. (5:15) The consequence of their error left them bruised, naked and shamed. As Christians, we are called to be “imitators of Christ.” (Ephesians 5:1). However, candidly, there are many cheap imitations that we must learn to avoid who use the name of Jesus for personal gain. They can be found online, on TV, and even preaching from the pulpit. Unlike the Jewish exorcists, the consequences of these false imitators often fall on their congregants and followers, who are left emotionally and spiritually bruised, naked and shamed.
What does it mean to be true “imitators of God”? What does it look like?
Ephesians 5:1 states,
1 Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
Imitating God requires an intimate relationship with our creator. (5:1) As His children, we get an up-close and personal look at His character as revealed through His Son Jesus Christ in the Bible. We are called to “walk in love” just as Jesus walked in love(5:2). The love described in this verse is a sacrificial love that puts the needs of others ahead of our own. Such love is genuine love and not a cheap imitation. There is power in sacrificial love to transform lives and heal broken hearts and relationships. It is a fragrant aroma that gives glory back to God and is pleasing to our Lord and Saviour.
Yours in Christ,
Brad
