It is not always easy to determine who is a genuine believer of Christ. With so many "fish" on the back of cars, athletes praying after touchdowns and artists thanking God at award ceremonies, how is one to know who's for real?
Reality is, only God knows for sure. However, Paul tells Timothy there is one distinguishing characteristic which helps separate front runners from the real McCoy. He says in 2Timothy 2:19, "Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness."
Now, don’t get the idea that this scripture duly deputizes you to be the official identifiers of who's real and who's not. That’s not the point of Paul’s exhortation and the church surely does not need that kind of “Barney Fife-dom.” Rather than concentrating on others' commitment, don’t let the significance of this passage be lost on you. Read it again and make sure there is no possibility of you becoming the focal point in a case of mistaken identity of Please, live right, live well...
