The Holy Spirit said to me this morning: "Fool's Gold"
First let's define the word 'fool'.
1: a person lacking in judgment or prudence (Merriam Webster)
So what is 'Fool's Gold'
Wikipedia says:
"The mineral pyrite, or iron pyrite, is an iron sulfide with the formula FeS2. This mineral's metallic luster and pale-to-normal, brass-yellow hue have earned it the nickname fool's gold because of its resemblance to gold."
When a prospector went mining for gold sometimes they would find the mineral pyrite that resembles gold and they would think that they had struck it rich, but to their dismay what they found was 'fool's gold', which is absolutely worthless!
When we contrast 'fool's gold' with real gold we find a big difference in value and substance.
This also reminds me of the wheat and the tares (darnel). They both look alike and you can't tell them apart until they are fully grown.
We can also contrast those who call themselves Christians and those who are genuine Christians in the eyes of God. Many people say they are Christians, but don't obey the words of Jesus who they say they love and follow. They quote scripture, go to church on Sunday, pay tithes, give to the needy etc... but yet their hearts are far from God, I call them modern day Pharisees, and I should know because I was one of them!
Matthew 23:23-27
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."
Paul, before he was called and chosen by the Lord had alot of 'fool's gold'. He thought he knew God and he thought he was doing God a favor by persecuting the saints, he even stood by holding the other Pharisees coats and giving his approval while they stoned Stephen to death!
Imagine his shock on the road to Damascus when he found out that all he had was 'fool's gold'!
Acts 9:1-6
"Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
What a wake up call that was! And this will happen to many today who have been deceived and follow another jesus, thinking they know God but they really don't. Instead of receiving the genuine Jesus Christ that the scriptures testify of, many receive a false jesus who is all love, and tolerant of man's sin.
2nd Corinthians 11:4
"For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!"
Do you have 'fool's gold'? Or do you have the real deal?
In His Love,
Tyrone
