Stolen Valor

Great speeches are a powerful tool to expose the truth about grave circumstances to those who may not have known otherwise. Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is a prime example of this. In the speech, Lincoln made it clear that the battlefield could only be truly dedicated by those who had given everything and that the memory of those who had died was the only way for the living to truly involve themselves.

Unfortunately, there are those in every generation who claim to have been involved in conflicts they never actually participated in. They may even go so far as to purchase a uniform and concoct a story to support their lie. However, when the truth comes out, they are exposed as frauds and face the humiliation and dishonor that comes with stolen valor.

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus calls out those who wear His insignias of prophesying, casting out demons, and claiming to have performed wonders in His name. These individuals may appear to be followers of Christ, but in reality, they are inglorious pretenders. Jesus pronounces their grave circumstance, telling them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"

As a true follower of Christ, you never have to pretend to be someone you're not. Your identity is in Christ. Your outward actions should be based on the inner commitment to following Jesus. You earn your spiritual regalia by putting on the whole armor of God daily and then entering the battlefield.

Reflective Questions

1. Look Back: Have there been times in your life when you were more focused on the outward appearance of your faith than on actually growing your personal relationship with Jesus?
2. Look Ahead: What would your life look like if you completely, wholeheartedly surrendered to do the will of your Father in heaven?
3. Look Up: Prayer, Bible reading/study, counsel, meditation: Which experience would best suit your personal growth and your relationship with God?

Memory Verse

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Matthew 7:21 (NKJV)

Prayer

Dear God, my heart's desire is to know You, to follow You, and to serve You. Help me to see any area of my life that is not wholeheartedly focused on You, and help me to surrender that part of my life to You. I want to do Your will. Give me the strength I need.

Related Scriptures

Romans 2:13; James 1:22; Luke 6:46; Luke 11:28; Titus 1:16; Luke 13:25–27; I Corinthians 13:1–2; Matthew 25:41; Psalm 6:8