Substitutes for the Real Thing

            In today’s world we have a hard time distinguishing between the false and the true, the substitute and the real thing.  We have substitutes in gasoline (Ethanol), clothing (synthetic fibers), furniture (oak veneer), and instead of metal we get plastic. 

            The spiritual realm has its share of substitutes.  People in many cultures are worshipping false gods in place of the one and only true God.  Jesus warned us in the gospels, “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are really vicious wolves” (Matthew 7:15 NLT).  Substitutes can be deceiving.  They taste almost as good as the real thing, but they are only second best.  To me, cookies taste better made with real butter rather than the substitute margarine.

            There is no substitute for the real thing in the spiritual realm.  I love the hymn, “I’d rather than Jesus than silver and gold” made famous by George Beverly Shea.  The words of the hymn emphasize the real thing as opposed to that which is false. 

            If we follow the principles laid down by God in his Holy Word, we won’t have to rely on substitutes – he is the real thing.