McCoy

Jesu Juva

“…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Though they say, ‘As Yahweh lives,’ surely they swear falsely.” Jeremiah5:2

Have you ever heard the old saying, “It’s the real McCoy”? Well, there are so many different stories about where the saying originated that we don’t know which of them is “The Real McCoy”!

Authentic

The phrase refers to something genuine; The Real McCoy is never a fake. A famous pottery company in the 19th and 20th centuries sold highly desirable items stamped “McCoy”. My grandmother had a lovely yellow vase that was a “McCoy”, which distinguished it from reproductions.

For believers, we have a mark that sets us apart from the world. Our key verse explains how we should appear to other believers and non-believers. The world may not understand us, but they notice the clear difference in the lives of true, faithful believers.

Also, God’s Word tells us that if we are true believers, we will love one another. John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.” This commandment from Jesus applies to all believers, as stated in John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” This is how true believers are recognized.

God’s Word goes even further.1 John 4:20 “If a man says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?”

The love Jesus speaks of in this study is a love freely given among believers, in unity. It is not merely a warm love that responds kindly when treated well. This command does not imply we will always want to socialize with certain people just because they are believers. However, the love of God within us unites us like a family, joining us as evidenced by the fruits of the Spirit and in loving God’s commands.

We are connected with God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus’ High Priestly prayer John 17.

Believers may neglect their relationship with God, hindering our ability to reflect Jesus. When we distance ourselves from Him, our spiritual gifts can seem off-putting to our brothers and sisters in Christ and to the world that we should be influencing.

Although we cannot lose our salvation, periods of backsliding may cause us to look more like our adversary, Satan, leading the world to mistake us for one of them.

Take a look at our key verse in Jeremiah. The Hebrew people turned away from God and embraced pagan lifestyles, forgetting the God who rescued them. They swapped His Love for lifeless stone gods, sacrificing their children and wealth for worthless idols that could not save them.

When things got tough the Hebrews would always go back to religious rituals and sacrifices to God. But God knew they were fake. Jeremiah 5:2 is telling us that they were full of religion, but they were liars. There was nothing about their lives that bore the Maker’s mark.

Do people see Jesus in your life? Do your words and actions reveal your true character? Are you religious but lack a genuine desire to honor God?

Perhaps your heart for Jesus has grown distant. Go back to Him; He’s close by. Admit your failures to God. Every sin is against Him, no matter how insignificant it may seem. The price Jesus paid was so costly. It was everything.

Read the short book of 1 John. This book is a great way to measure your faith. It can answer your questions very pointedly about where you stand with Jesus.

Do you have the Maker’s mark? I hope so.

Oh, give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
    for his loving kindness endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

Praise the Lord and call upon his Name: declare hisworks among the people.

Sing unto him, sing praise unto him, and talk of all his wonderful works.

Rejoice in his holy Name: let the hearts of them that seek the Lord, rejoice.

Seek the Lord and his strength: seek his face continually.

Remember his marvelous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,

1 Chronicles 16-8-12

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.