Authentic

Authentic

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

NOT LONG AGO, my husband and I discussed pornography with our children. We talked about the harmful effects it can have on our minds, bodies, and relationships, and how it is a counterfeit experience to the authentic love, comfort, and closeness God designed us to have with another human being. Pornography gives us the impression of closeness while—in reality—creating walls and distance between us and those we love. It’s a lie, disguised as a way to satisfy us, but never really authentically fulfilling our desire for closeness with another person.

Since our conversation, I’ve been thinking about other ways I allow counterfeit comforts or securities into my own life. I may not struggle with pornography, but how often have I turned to food for comfort? How often have I watched Netflix to soothe my pain? What counterfeits have I substituted as a way to fill a void in my life when, really, what I need is God’s healing and maybe another person’s compassion?

This, to me, is the lie of sin. Cheapening what God intended, offering fulfillment, but always coming up short. Counterfeits may seem good for a season, but left unchecked, will soon gain momentum and easily end up beyond our ability to control.

As children whom God deeply loves, we have access to good, authentic things that he wants to give us. And he promises that every good gift, every authentic gift, is from above. He desires for us to be able to live out our days in healthy and loving ways, free from the bondage of sin and immune to cheap replacements that alter our relationship with him and one another. He longs to offer us authentic and lasting love and joy that no cheap replacement will ever be able to fill.

Lord, thank you for the authentic things you offer us in life that will satisfy all of our desires. Help us to notice counterfeits and to turn away from things that won’t last. Amen.

-Kendra

One Good Step: Are you filling your life with counterfeit things that don’t really satisfy? Bring them to God today and ask him to fill you with that which will last.