The Mark of True Christianity: Contrasting Genuine Faith with Deception

Defining true Christianity is as challenging as diagnosing the root causes of the world’s struggles. Yet, all human problems stand in stark contrast to the principles of authentic Christian faith. At its core, true Christianity seeks equity, eliminating extreme disparities between rich and poor within a community (Acts 4:32). In a world rife with confusion, Scripture provides clarity for those seeking the path to eternal life.

Jesus declared that among those born of women, none was greater than John the Baptist—yet even the least in the Kingdom of Heaven surpasses him (Matthew 11:11-13, KJV). This profound truth underscores that divine greatness transcends human standards. Christ, though also born of a woman, reigns supreme in God’s Kingdom—a reality John himself acknowledged (Matthew 3:14).

Jesus also warned that what is highly esteemed among men is detestable to God (Luke 16:15). Worldly judgments—elevating some as worthy while dismissing others as contemptible—hold no weight in His eyes. This compels us to examine the essence of true Christianity, lest we idolise what God calls abominable. This is not to suggest God condones sin, but rather that He rejects human pride and superficial distinctions.

The Jews’ gravest error was their contempt for Jesus, whom they crucified. Saul, once celebrated for persecuting Christians, later expressed a profound transformation before King Agrippa (Acts 26:5). Yet when Paul embraced truth, his former allies scorned him—unaware that God’s measure of greatness defies human acclaim.

Religion often imposes rigid rules in God’s name, distorting His nature. Extremist factions in Islam exemplify this, but Christianity is not immune when examining factional disputes characterised in Christianity. Some bishops and reverends wield authority to enforce compliance, condemning or excommunicating those who resist. Such leaders embody Christ’s warning against what God detests (Luke 16:15).

True Christians, Jesus taught, surpass even the prophets. They are not bound by religion, just as Christ was not. The world does not recognise them, just as it rejected Him (John 15:18-27). They seek no earthly praise, for if the world applauds them, their work would be an abomination to God (Luke 16:15).

Twelve Traits of True Christianity

1. Fearless Faith (Matt 10:28) – They fear God, not man, embracing Christ’s words: “Fear not them which kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
2. Unshakable Conviction (Rom 8:31-39) – They endure trials without abandoning faith, resisting corruption and temptation.
3. Servant Leadership (Matt 23:10-12) – They reject titles and worldly promotions, because knowing God despises any consideration of elevation and pride.
4. Radical Equality (Acts 10:34; Matt 5:43-48) – They see no hierarchy among people, treating all as equals before God. Jesus Christ is viewed through other fellow humans, rather than any other imagination, treating each as deserving of respect. The presence of Jesus is manifested by fellow humans, requiring discernment of what Christ did for humanity.
5. Grace-Driven Obedience (Rom 12:3-14) – Their peculiarity includes acting by divine calling, not human approval, as they avoid comparisons or validation-seeking. They always consider God’s calling ahead of the opinions of fellow humans.
6. Unwavering Forgiveness (Matt 5: 10-12 and 38-39) – They rejoice in persecution, returning no resentment, more than embracing satisfaction in human praises.
7. Eternal Perspective (Philippians 1:21) – They value life in Christ above earthly existence, seeing death as gain. This is opposed to those perceiving death as a loss.
8. Peacemaking Without Compromise (Matt 5:9) – They pursue justice, listen earnestly, and courageously uphold truth, to their physical detriment.
9. Humility Over Legalism (1 Cor 9:19-22) – They exemplify righteousness without rigid rule-enforcement, upholding hope by living righteously. They connect with others universally while remaining steadfast in adhering to God’s law of love.
10. Openness to Correction (Acts 17:11-12) – They adjust when proven wrong, prioritising Christ over dogma. They are not opposed to anyone but willing to consider everything on merit.
11. Quiet Generosity (Matt 6:2) – They give without seeking recognition or status. Aware of the dangers emanating from human praise, their acts of charity are not influenced by human praise or recognition.
12. Diligence Without human recompense (Matt 6:25) – They labour diligently and selflessly, seeking no recognition or compensation, placing their trust in God rather than anticipating rewards from other people.

Twelve Traits of Deceivers

1. Fear of Man (1 John 4:18) – They shrink from maintaining truth, preferring to preserve safety or reputation and status in society.
2. Institutionalised Religion (Matt 23:10-12) – They replace Spirit-led guidance with corporate governance, to gain approval from humanity.
3. Hierarchical Pride (Matthew 23:8-10) – They enforce ranks for authoritarian control, despite Christ’s call for brotherhood and servitude to remain focused on Christ.
4. Favouritism (James 2:2-5) – They esteem the wealthy and prominent in society, thereby falling into the trap of categorising God’s people.
5. Empty Godliness (2 Tim 3:5) – They distort Scripture to fit their views, projecting a pretence to cover up their true nature for purposes of hoodwinking the gullible.
6. Exclusive Gatekeeping (Matthew 23:13) – They determine who is deemed a “true” Christian, disregarding Christ’s mission to serve sinners, reflecting a condition in which all humanity finds itself entangled.
7. Scholarly Over Spiritual (John 5:39-40) – They prioritise human intellect over the Holy Spirit’s guidance, to attract human recognition.
8. Accusatory Spirit (Revelation 12:10) – They condemn rather than restore the lost, thereby practising the opposite of Jesus’ mission.
9. Impatience with Sinners (Matt 13:24-30) – They reject the lost instead of leading them to grace, unlike Jesus, who tolerated sinners, even to the point of being betrayed by Judas Iscariot.
10. Factionalism (1 Corinthians 1:10-17) – They elevate denominational doctrines, based on the charisma of leaders concerned, above Scripture.
11. Charity Over Gospel (Matthew 26:11) – They prioritise social work over Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).
12. Prosperity Gospel in place of the gospel (1 Timothy 6:3-11) – They equate wealth with divine favour, unaware that the gospels advocate renunciation of physical wealth to follow Christ (Luke 14:25-34).

Conclusion

These contrasts are diagnostic, and neither exhaustive nor condemnatory. True Christians may dwell in flawed systems, and false believers in sound ones. Each person must align with Christ’s teachings, regardless of their denomination’s framework.

Authentic Christianity demands full surrender to the Spirit, unwavering obedience to God over men (Acts 5:29), and a life of sacrifice, not comfort (Romans 12:1-3). To be ostracised for truth may be a blessing; yet we must pursue peace without compromising conviction. The call is singular: follow Christ, without exception.

Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.

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