There is absolutely no positive connotation for the statement “You are fake!” Yet, there is a very serious problem that needs to be addressed on the topic. Our society has glorified things which are empty, shallow, and fake. Take a glimpse at any popular reality television show and chances are that you will see a despicable view of reality. Actually, the word “reality” most assuredly does not apply to what usually is shown. There’s little if anything “real” about it. Yet our students are constantly convinced that these things are cool, meaningful, and worth pursuing. Then, when these things are gained, disappointment, sorrow, and scars follow. Two questions instantly come to my mind. Who will stand and speak truth into our students’ lives? There needs to be a passionate plea for these young people to pursue what is real and valuable and fulfilling, what is truth. Secondly, who will go beyond words and live an example of being real? There needs to be adults who are actively presenting an example of realness and effectiveness for God to our young people. Sadly many people who are in positions of influence for these students have been fraudulent.  Your student needs a real example of what truth can do in his home, in his community, in his church, and in his life.

In her research of over 3,300 American teenagers, Princeton Theological Seminary professor Kenda Creasy Dean found that 75% of American teenagers claim to be Christians. The study, called the “National Study of Youth and Religion”, revealed that churches and parents are passing along what Dean calls an “imposter” faith. After reading CNN’s John Blake’s take on the study (http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/27/author-more-teens-becoming-fake-christians/), my first thought was “Wow, there is simply no way 75% of American teenagers are real Christians!” If my statement is correct, it follows that many American teenagers are fake…that many of our teenagers are fake.

Isaiah chapter 29 tells of a time when God is utterly disappointed with his people, Jerusalem specifically. He explains that He will take away His protection, His wisdom, and His peace from her. Verse 13 reveals the heart of the problem, reveals the heart is the problem. “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:” This verse speaks specifically to our problem. This verse describes how a society can be full of fake Christians. We have mastered the art of praising God with our mouth and making vain promises of a commitment to Him with our lips, but our heart is far from Him! In the article, Dean points to the fact that pastors and parents have set a poor example for the gospel. I challenged our students to consider if their faith is real, if their heart is far from Christ, and if they are willing to be real. I ask the same of you!

These three ideas are a great starting place for the person who wants to be real. 1. Figure out who you are! Has Christ redeemed you? Have you accepted the work of the cross as the payment for your sin and accepted Jesus as savior? If so, you are His child and it is time to live like it. Stop comparing yourself to others. You’ll always find “Christians” whose behavior makes you look like a saint. Instead, determine to be a real Christ follower who lives what he speaks. 2. Declare that you are a real Christian! It seems we are often afraid to publicly make this statement. Perhaps it is fear of others or fear of being held to the standard of what the statement means. Either way, scripture calls for us to publicly confess that we belong to Christ. 3. Surround yourself with others who are real! The final point of these three can prove to be quite difficult. Sadly, there aren’t many Christians living among us who are real. Yet, there are some who live out what they say they believe, who stand on God’s Word and act accordingly. Search out these people and get connected. It may be that you only find one. At first, it may seem you can find no one with whom you can connect. Don’t be discouraged! As you stand forth as a real Christian, others with the same desire will see your example and connect with you.

We need real Christians! ACS needs parents who are real, teachers who are real, and students who are real. Real Christians will set this world on fire for God!