The camera never lies!!

When we see a photograph, or watch a video, today we may be excused for asking: "Is it real?" When I was a younger man, it was often said that "the camera never lies"! However, even if, in our day, the camera itself never lies - the resulting photograph/video may be manipulated by the use of computer software (and it doesn't have to be the expensive programmes!) to show something that is, in fact, totally false.

For example, this well-known photograph (it appears on many web-sites) indicates that a young girl has climbed to the top of a very high tower of some sort, and is taking a "selfie"! However, if we look more carefully, we see that she is portrayed in very high contrast, whereas the surroundings are just the opposite. There is no shadow on the platform on which she appears to be standing. Even on an otherwise calm day, the wind at that height would, I suggest, have both her hair and her skirt blowing a lot more than is shown in the photograph. Indeed, I find it difficult to believe that anyone would manage to climb to that height in a skirt! 

I may be wrong - but I am certainly not convinced that this is a genuine photograph! 

Centuries before even the basic box-camera had been invented, the apostle Paul warned his young "son in the faith", Timothy, about counterfeit reality (if that is not an oxymoron!) in the church. He said that, in the last days, people would be self-absorbed: "... holding the form of religion but denying the power of it." (II Tim 3:5). He repeatedly emphasised the need to live a godly life, warning that "... evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived." (II Tim 3:13).

Paul charged Timothy to "... continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (II Tim 3:14-15). True godliness honours, and obeys, God; while its counterfeit seeks pleasure, and personal gain. One seeeks to please the Lord; the other gratifies natural desire. Each one is identified by its actions.

When others hear us say that we are "Christian" (although I prefer to say "disciple of Jesus", as the word "Christian" has, sadly, become greatly devalued in our modern society and culture!), they may wonder about the reality of our claim, and of our faith. Our lives will answer that question by reflecting the reality of the Christ!

How real am I making the Lord Jesus to others? And you?!