I just returned home last week from the Dominican Republic. Although an issue there, as you shop in the DR, it is not the same as shopping in China. When I was in China, global name branded items were available in most markets. They looked and felt the same. However, I knew the China markets are famous for their knock-offs. In fact, most merchants immediately told me in broken English the items were authentic. Yet, they always bartered down to just pennies – although I’m sure they were cussing me in their language.
I bought a few items and assumed they were in fact knock-offs; however, I had no way to really know. Until I used the products.
While in China, I needed black dress shoes. In the market, a store sold name brand shoes. I found a beautiful pair. I bartered the price down to a level I was willing to purchase them. Did I say already they were beautiful? And comfortable too.
I wore them three times before the outer layer of “leather” began to strip off and revealed what looks like a some kind of hard cardboard. To say the least…they were knock-offs and were worth exactly what I paid for them.
Long-term You Can See If It Is Legitimate
As Christians, this is true for us as well. You can tell over time if someone is legit or not. You can see it in their actions. Jesus’ half-brother James writes:
26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
You can see if someone is the real deal in the way that they live.
Strive for Consistency
You can do two things today and this week to check your authenticity as a Christ-follower:
First, pay attention to your words because they reveal the heart.
Second, observe how much you serve those who cannot serve you back which reveals the heart as well.
Together, we can all strive to be more consistent.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
