Back in the early 70’s, Coca Cola’s ad campaign included the jingle “It’s the real thing, Coke is.” It stuck, and to this day for those of us old enough to remember, we make that association. Coke marketed itself as the one, true legitimate cola drink. Some argue that it is Pepsi that is the legit cola, but it really boils down to personal preference. “Legitimacy” has a myriad of applications. Often, what is and what is not legitimate boils down to subjectivity, but there are some things where legitimacy is truly objective. The two topics that get the most reaction are politics and religion. Politics is subjective, but religion is not. The world is filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of religions. But there is one that stands alone as legitimate. And ironically, it in itself is not a religion but rather a relationship. That relationship is of course an individual’s relationship with Jesus Christ. Throughout the ages there have been many who have claimed to be God, or have some aspect of their nature being divine, but all were not legitimate. There is only one true individual who is legitimately THE Son of God, and that is Jesus Christ. As believers in Christ, we have the responsibility to be legitimate followers of Christ. Matthew 27:3-10 recounts Judas’ interaction with the chief priests after betraying Christ for 30 pieces of silver. It was blood money. Unable to deal with his guilt, Judas hanged himself. He played the part of following Christ but was never truly legitimate. He valued comfort and security over commitment. As 2 Corinthians 7:10 reads; “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” When we accept Christ, it is a wholesale repentance. A humbling and acknowledgement that without Christ we are lost. It is one decision that cannot be faked. At the moment of salvation there is instant change, as the Holy Spirt indwells the new believer. We are still challenged by the temptations of the world to be sure, but we no longer face those temptations on our own, but through him who lives within us. The world is watching. Are those that proclaim Christ as Savior legit, or just going through the motions for show. Are you the “real thing?”
