Searching For the Authentic In a World of Fake Everything

March 17th, 2025

By: David Hoskins

Time to raise the bar. Time to make disciples.

Most Christians today would not have liked doing church in the early years of Christianity. It was too relational, too demanding, too messy, too hard, and far too basic. Not enough smoke and mirrors. Not enough pomp and hype, not enough comfort and coddling. Not nearly enough hipsterism for the celebrity culture we have grown to emulate so well.

I believe most Christians today would find the Church in antiquity poorly suited for meeting the needs they love to expect and relish. It seems we like this idea of engaging ministry from a consumer mindset instead of a disciple mindset.

In a consumer world, we get everything we are willing to pay for to ease our conscience while on the flip side, nothing is required of us but to pay our dues and enjoy the party. It’s a pretty good gig unless authenticity is required.

The line for consumer congregants is typically a long one until persecution comes. At that time, shepherds who are building their success off the backs of consumers will no longer be needed. A little fear of persecution and suddenly everyone exits the building looking for true spiritual leaders. Leaders who are carrying substance and the power of God.

The line for disciples is typically short until persecution comes and then suddenly everyone wants to quit playing around and connect with the real.

Time to buy some oil and awaken to the sound of the coming King.

Matthew 25:1-13 (TPT)

A Parable about Ten Virgins

1 “When my coming draws near, heaven’s kingdom realm can be compared to ten maidens who took their oil lamps and went outside to meet the bridegroom and his bride. 2-4 Five of them were foolish and ill-prepared, for they took no extra oil for their lamps. Five of them were wise, for they took flasks of olive oil with their lamps. 5 When the bridegroom didn’t come when they expected, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. 6 Then suddenly, in the middle of the night, they were awakened by the shout ‘Get up! The bridegroom is here! Come out and have an encounter with him!’ 7 So all the girls got up and trimmed their lamps.

8 But the foolish ones were running out of oil, so they said to the five wise ones, ‘Share your oil with us, because our lamps are going out!’

9 “ ‘We can’t,’ they replied. ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. You’ll have to go and buy some for yourselves!’

10 “While the five girls were out buying oil, the bridegroom appeared. Those who were ready and waiting were escorted inside with him and the wedding party to enjoy the feast. And then the door was locked. 11 Later, the five foolish girls came running up to the door and pleaded, ‘Lord, Lord, let us come in!’

12 “But he called back, ‘Go away! Do I know you? I can assure you, I don’t even know you!’

13 “That is the reason you should always stay awake and be alert because you don’t know the day or the hour when the Bridegroom will appear.”

Shift from a consumer mindset and look for leaders who disciple rather than coddle. Look for those who stretch you rather than tickle your ears. Look for those moving in power rather than hype.

Time spent with authentic leaders who know how to disciple will cause you to gain skills that will serve you well. Time to be a disciple of light in this world of increasing darkness. Time to buy oil for your lamp.