Cheap Imitation or the Real Deal?

Today has definitely signified a change in the seasons. It's much cooler and is rainy. As I pulled into the church parking lot I reached under my seat and grabbed my umbrella. I haven't needed to use it for months, but today will be the first of many days it will be used over the next 3-4 months. As I held my umbrella I couldn't help but smile. This wasn't just any old umbrella, but my $8 Totes umbrella. A few years ago I was on a missions trip to Romania where we encountered some very rainy weather. I had a cheap imitation umbrella that didn't fare too well. Because of that I now carry an umbrella that isn't an imitation, but is the real deal. It's kind of like that with many people who call themselves Christians. They call themselves a Christian, carry a Bible, and even do things that make them seem like they're the real thing, however they're not. As Christians we're called to be followers of Christ, imitators of Him. Everything we do, say and think should point people to Jesus without hesitation. Today all of us will have the chance to allow others to see the real us. Will what they see in us be Christ or a cheap imitation? Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." --Jesus (Matthew 5:16)