Artificial believers often prioritise gaining approval and admiration from others over genuine spiritual growth.
The world is full of artificial believers. Many individuals present themselves as devout followers of God, but their actions often contradict their professed values. This duality raises important questions about the authenticity of religious devotion and the motivations behind it.
One of the most striking aspects of artificial belief is the contrast between outward appearance and inner reality. People may physically portray innocence, humbleness, and faithfulness, but inwardly, they harbour crooked intentions and are driven by revenge and ego. For instance, some individuals may attend church services regularly, participate in religious activities, and outwardly display symbols of their faith. However, their interactions with others, particularly those closest to them, may reveal a different story.
The discrepancy between a person's public and private lives is a telling indicator of artificial belief. While they may present themselves as pillars of their faith in public, their behavior at home with family members and in their neighborhood may be vastly different. A husband or wife may be disrespected and hurt at home, suffering in silence with tears unshed, while their partner presents a facade of a happy, faithful marriage to the world. The pain of disrespect and emotional abuse can be overwhelming, yet it remains hidden from public view.
Artificial believers often prioritise gaining approval and admiration from others over genuine spiritual growth. They may engage in acts of charity, volunteer work, or other public displays of faith to garner praise and recognition. However, this pursuit of temporary applause can lead to a shallow and superficial faith that lacks depth and sincerity. Their actual lives, exhibited at home with family members and neighbours, are often too opposite of what they claim to believe.
The lack of self-control and tolerance is another characteristic of artificial believers. Despite professing to be followers of a faith that emphasises love, compassion, and forgiveness, they may struggle to exhibit these qualities in their interactions with others. Instead, they may be quick to judge, criticize, or seek revenge, revealing the superficial nature of their faith.
In many cases, artificial believers duplicate and show off their faith to gain temporary benefits, such as social status or admiration. They may use their faith as a means to manipulate others or to achieve their own ends. This can lead to a toxic environment where people feel pressured to conform to certain expectations or risk being ostracized.
Moreover, many skeptical believers' hearts get hardened by witnessing such hypocrisy. They see individuals who appear good and soft during church activities but display evil and reality at home and in their neighborhoods. This can lead to disillusionment and a loss of faith in the genuine principles of their religion.
It's essential to remember that our actions have consequences, not just for ourselves, but also for others. If our artificial faith poses an obstacle to the spiritual journey of others, particularly those who are struggling or lost, what benefit do we gain from God? Instead of being a source of inspiration and motivation, we become a stumbling block.
Believers should strive to be a good example to others, especially those who are struggling. By living out our faith authentically and genuinely, we can inspire and motivate others to deepen their own relationship with God. Our faith should be characterized by sincerity, humility, and a commitment to living out our values in daily life, rather than just a superficial display for the benefit of others.
Ultimately, the prevalence of artificial believers in today's world is a complex issue that warrants reflection and examination. By recognizing the signs of artificial faith, such as the discrepancy between public and private lives, the pursuit of temporary applause, and the lack of self-control and tolerance, we can strive towards a more authentic and genuine expression of our beliefs.
H. Akato Sema