Passage for reflection: 1 Timothy 1:1-11
Thrifting – thrift store shopping – has grown in popularity in recent years. I happen to have some behind the scenes knowledge of the industry thanks to operating three very different stores that support three ministries seeking to make God’s kindom more real in their backyards.
Each of these stores relies exclusively on donated goods for their inventory. The volunteers who receive and process these gifts often find incredible gems. I’ve heard people shout for joy and attract the attention of everyone nearby when they discover a like new item with a very high-end label. And, I’ve heard frustration and disappointment when, upon closer inspection, the item is determined to be a knock-off. Some fakes are nearly identical to the real thing and require a through investigation or even a second opinion to make a final determination. Others are clear counterfeits.
In the opening chapter of the book of 1 Timothy, Paul warns Timothy about false teachers who peddle a counterfeit faith. If these teachings were obviously counter to the Way of Jesus, no warning would be needed. These teachers are teaching in ways that draw folks in and that overlap – sometimes rather considerably – with the authentic teachings of Jesus. And, so, just as the thrift store processing folks must constantly evaluate new items so must we all constantly evaluate the many teachings we encounter every day.
I wonder how attentive you are day in and day out to the various faith claims made all around you. And I wonder if you sometimes pause and ask for a second opinion – perhaps from a family member, someone in your small group, or a sibling in the faith you trust.
Genuine Christian faith is worth discovering. It is transformative. And, it always finds ways to multiply love.
This post was originally published in the Lectionary for Life Series for the Center for Congregational Ethics on September 11, 2025.