The Real Deal

Isn't this pretty? I bought this candle recently and am thoroughly enjoying it. It is my favorite color and my favorite candle fragrance (spiced pear) in one! The scent fills the area around me and soothes my senses. I, for one, think every home should be equipped with at least one nicely scented candle at all times. Simply having a candle out and lit seems to make everyone speak more softly, doesn't it? Then again, maybe that only happens at my house.




Here's the weird thing about this particular candle: It isn't real. It smells like a real candle, glows and flickers like a real candle, and even looks like a real candle...as long as you don't look too closely.



If you were to evaluate my new candle more thoroughly, you'd notice a light bulb artificially flickering where a wick and flame should be. Can you see the difference? The "flame" is too perfectly round and the glow isn't quite right. Plus, the sides have "melted" in a perfectly round, uniform fashion. Real candles are much less tidy than this one.





Here's an image of a real candle burning. Simple observation shows us the flame is irregular, as are the melting sides of the candle. It doesn't take much to observe the difference, especially when you compare the fake candle to the real thing.

Both of these candles smell really nice when they are on, they both emit a glow and both bring comfort. The real candle, though, brings a brighter light and warmth the other candle cannot replicate.

A fake can never replace the real thing.

That phrase is never more true than it is when it comes to our faith. So many times we want to mold a savior of our own design. For whatever reasons, we aren't satisfied with the Christ of the Bible. Maybe we think He's too harsh or sets standards that are too high to reach. So, we set aside the Bible and, instead, make up a "Jesus" who is more palatable to our senses.

Fake God:

"What she did to me will never be forgiven. There are some things God won't forgive."

Real God:

Mark 11:25: And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Fake God:

"God doesn't mind if I tell a few 'white lies' that protect other people's feelings...or keep me out of trouble!"

Real God:

Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Someone actually said this one to me. I'm not making this up (Fake God):

"I left my husband because God sent me a different man to love. I know God put us together!"

Real God:

Hebrews 13:14: Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.

The God we serve sets a high standard for us, not because he's mean, but because He made us and knows how we will live the most successful, God-honoring lives.

A god of our own design might seem to make things easier initially, but will never mature us to be the kind of people God made us to be. Plus, we will miss out on the warmth and light that God alone can bring us.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

John 8:12

His path is narrow, but living in His light will take us through that path where we can enjoy the greatest beauty He has to offer. He is Real and He is Good.