All InSample

We live in a time where very little is genuine. Maybe this is why a major selling point for some of the pricier things we buy have labels that say “authentic,” “genuine,” or “without defects.” In Jesus’ time it was the same. In the market where everyone bought and sold all they needed, clay pots commonly had a sign on them with one word that when translated meant “sincere.” 

In Greek, this word more commonly referred to the idea, “without defect or cracks.” In that day, shady dealers would gather up clay pots that had cracked or broken and instead of throwing them away, would fill the cracks with colored wax. This trick and technique was nearly impossible to detect, until one took the defective pot home and put them over a fire to cook. Only then would the wax melt and reveal that the product was useless. 

This is why several times in Scripture we are called upon to have a sincere faith. A faith that is without defect or crack. A faith that is true. A faith that is useful. A sincere faith does not mean you’re perfect. That’s impossible! A sincere faith means you are without hypocrisy. 

If you look closely, the Church is constantly under assault with accusations of hypocrisy. For too many the accusation is true. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:5, “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

As you meditate on our theme verses, you should notice that even the people in Jerusalem saw the reality of the believers' faith in Acts 2:47, “...having favor with all the people.”

Again, no one expects you to be perfect; but God desires you to be truthful, honest, and real in your faith in Christ Jesus. God desires you to have a sincere faith that is without cracks, not secretly hidden within cracks, pretending to be something you are not. Would your faith stand a test of fire? When trials come your way, will your faith stand? Real sincere faith holds together no matter the heat of the fire placed upon it. 

Ask and allow the Lord to make your faith real. Go all in and walk the disciplines listed in Acts 2 and described in this devotional. Don’t fear the temperature of your circumstances!