Genuine or Imitation?

We live in a world of fake news, fake body physiques, fake products and even fake identities.  So, my question is, "Do you like knock-offs (imitations) or the real (genuine) things?  

Let's do a quick survey of things you prefer:

• Eggs you shake & pour from a carton or real eggs? 
• Spam or real ham? 
• Miracle Whip or real mayonnaise? 
• Creme Betweens or real Oreos?
• Knock-off apparel, footwear, handbags, electronics; or the real thing?  Just imagine telling someone about your beautiful new "genuine imitation" leather/fur coat!

Too often, we settle for imitations, rather than striving for real aspects that strengthen and grow our marriages, friendships and even work relationships. Peter challenges Christ-followers to "up their game" and stop settling for cheap imitations such as...

• Manipulation is a cheap imitation for humility
• Outward appeal is an imitation for inward beauty
• Knowing right is a cheap imitation for doing right
• Providing a living is a cheap imitation for sharing a life
• Leverage is a cheap imitation for leading
• Jealousy is a cheap imitation for honor
• Sex is a cheap imitation for love
• Selfishness is a cheap imitation for sharing
• Security is a cheap imitation for satisfaction.
• Religion is a cheap imitation for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Peter challenges wives, husbands, and believers in general to raise the bar and stop "settling."  If we settle for imitations, we will find our relationships defined by division, irritation, resentment and bitterness. As believers, we should strive to be real and show others the joy in serving Jesus with a pure heart that wants to give God our best.

In today's world filled with cheap, fake, imitations; let's determine to be real followers of Jesus Christ!