Job 22:23
“If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.”
An authentic brand is always much different from the generic. The generic brand may be cheaper, but it is most likely doesn’t have the quality of the authentic brand. Likewise, the authentic Christian always mirrors Christ better than the Christian who lives like the world. The verse above says, “If thou return to the Almighty…” Following these words, you will find seven marks of the authentic Christian. You will always know someone has returned to the LORD or the authenticity of someone’s Christianity by these marks.
First, growth is a mark of an authentic Christian. The verse above says, “…thou shalt be built up…” Every authentic Christian continues to grow. They never satisfy for the status quo, but they always have the desire to grow in the faith. If you are going to be an authentic Christian, you must grow daily in the LORD.
Second, a concern for the future is a mark of an authentic Christian. Verse 24 talks about laying up “gold as dust.” The authentic Christian is concerned with every work and how it affects their tomorrow. Furthermore, the authentic Christian’s works are works that affect the eternal. The authentic Christian wants to be sure that their works are laying up treasure in Heaven.
Third, verse 25 shows that dependence on God for protection is the mark of an authentic Christian. You will find that the authentic Christian is one who keeps their eyes on God and not man for their protection. You will never become an authentic Christian as long as you are looking to man for your direction or protection instead of God.
Fourth, verse 26 shows that the authentic Christian delights in the ways of God. The joy and excitement of the authentic Christian is derived from serving the LORD and seeing His works. You will always find that the things of God excite the authentic Christian more than money, fame or the things of the world.
Fifth, verse 27 shows that the authentic Christian has the propensity to pray. My friend, prayer should always be at the tip of your tongue. Your first thought about everything you do should be to pray to the LORD. The authenticity of a Christian is easily discovered by how quickly they turn to prayer for every situation of life.
Sixth, verse 28 shows that the authentic Christian is a producer. The authentic Christian has fruit to show for their works. The authentic Christian has a soul winning life instead of a soul winning time. Use can easily identify the authentic Christian because they are consistently bringing forth the fruit of souls.
Seventh, verse 29 shows that the authentic Christian is an encourager of the fallen. You can identify the authentic Christian by their propensity to help the fallen get up instead of kicking them while they are down. Their desire is for the fallen to be restored.
My friend, these seven marks will identify you as an authentic Christian or a fake. Which one are you? My hope is that your Christianity has the marks of authenticity.