Last year a teenager in China got in some hot water for playing the part of a stewardess. The 13-year-old bought a uniform that resembled those worn by stewardesses and even put together some fake credentials. Then she camped out at the local airport terminal, trying to sneak her way onto a jet. When police escorted her away, she begged them to bring her back, saying, “I am truly in love with the sky. Let me go to the airport.”
Some “magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers” got in some serious trouble when King Nebuchadnezzar’s anger boiled over (Daniel 2:2,12). His highness got highly agitated when the phonies couldn’t tell the king what only God could know (Daniel 2:10-11). They were trying to play the part of a prophet of God, but failed. They simply couldn’t tell the king what he had dreamed and what it meant. So he decided to terminate all of them.
That’s when Daniel stepped in.
This godly man, who was one of the exiled Israelites in Babylon, had earned the trust of the king. But as a prophet of God, Daniel also knew the greater King! He didn’t need to play a part, for his faith in God was genuine. He quickly went to Nebuchadnezzar, requesting time to seek the meaning of the king’s dream from God Himself (Daniel 2:16,18).
By doing so, he saved the skin of all the fake wise guys whom the king had decided to execute, but he also saved his own skin. More important, however, he later revealed the wisdom and power of God as he told the king exactly what his dream meant (Daniel 2:28-45).
Genuine faith is revealed as we face challenges in life (1 Peter 1:7). Have recent trials exposed your faith or the fact that you’ve simply been playing the part?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 6:14-29
More:
Read Mark 2:9-12 and note the genuine authority Jesus displays as He does an amazing, faith-building act.
Next:
What does genuine faith in Jesus look like? How can you take steps in growing your faith this week?
Gary Shultz on July 16, 2014 at 7:05 am
Unfortunately fantasies seem to be what holds some people together. Your word “genuine” is what God is and expects us to reflect that in our lives. Being genuine is being foundational as God’s child. Thanks
Tom Felten on July 16, 2014 at 9:17 am
Gary, I like how you identified God’s “genuine” nature. He calls us to follow Him as His authentic ambassadors. So when He states things like, “Be holy as I am holy,” and “You must love the Lord your God,” He directs us to be filled with His Spirit and imitate and His ways—His very essence.
Wayne on July 16, 2014 at 12:09 pm
Playing the part, that’s a good name for acting like a Christian. We have to have a intimate relationship with Jesus to really know him. Reading his word everyday is a good place to start !
wayne
Tom Felten on July 16, 2014 at 3:52 pm
So true, Wayne. As we take in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit uses it shape and refine us (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
BearPair on July 18, 2014 at 7:07 pm
Wayne, I suspect we could write a pretty thick book on the topic of Christians “playing the part”… a sad, but wise observation. I’m reminded of Simon the scorcerer who simply wanted to buy his way into the role–again, not unlike many still do today. Oh for a Church of cleansed and pure–real–brothers & sisters in Christ.
Mike Wittmer on July 18, 2014 at 3:09 pm
Great point that we only need to play our part. I was reading Daniel this week, and I noticed that Nebuchadnezzar’s successor, Belteshazzar, seemed to have completely forgotten about Daniel. Until the queen reminded him there was someone in his kingdom who could read the handwriting on the wall (Dan. 5). Daniel played his divine role, and stayed ready in lean times and plenty. A great example to follow.
Winn Collier on July 30, 2014 at 3:04 pm
I think one flight on an airline that will not be named could cure the dear girl of her infatuation.