The definition of counterfeit according to the Oxford Dictionary is: a fraudulent imitation of something else.; made in exact imitation of something valuable or important with the intention to deceive or defraud.    

There are occasions when we make a purchase in a store and the salesperson will place our paper money toward the light to determine if there is watermark. If you can see the watermark then the currency is probably counterfeit. The process of determining whether it is real or fake is usually done when large denominations of money is being used for a purchase. I often wondered what would happen if the bill turned out to be counterfeit. It is not too often that we hear about counterfeit money today, but I recently read a story about an employee in a department store being arrested for stealing approximately $400,000.00 from the company over a four- year span of time by taking real money and switching it with fake bills.

The reason I write this message this morning is not to address the issue of counterfeit money, rather other areas where the word counterfeit can be applied and cause danger. 

It was devastating recently hearing the number of deaths in the United States due to counterfeit drugs. The report that got my attention was from the radio commentator’s information regarding the number of our young people who are dying daily from counterfeit drugs.  

An estimated one million people die each year because of illicit products according to the World Health Organization. They and other authorities agree that a growing number and types of counterfeit drugs are being circulated.

Counterfeit pills are incredibly dangerous because the imitation pills look exactly like prescription Oxycodone in size, shape, color, and markings. The danger is simply that one cannot tell the difference in the drug as to being real or fake.

It has been said that if pills are being bought on the street, they are more than likely counterfeit. These drugs have become widespread and very dangerous. People are continuing to die for taking diluted drugs or drugs with fake ingredients. Please let that be a warning!  

Here we are as a nation dealing with Coronavirus disease and now must place emphasis on the surge in overdose deaths. These counterfeit drugs are becoming more prevalent and easier to purchase. Researchers say fake and low-quality drugs are a global pandemic.    

Parents, you may wish to have a conversation with your child regarding these illicit drugs. No pun intended, but adults we may need to have a conversation with ourselves.                     

Let’s face it, anything counterfeit does not have the same value or worth as something authentic and genuine. Counterfeit drugs are probably manufactured by counterfeit people.   

A counterfeit person is one who dresses, talks, and looks and acts like someone he or she is not. Matthew 7:15 tells us to, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”    

A wolf in sheep’s clothing is symbolic for someone who outwardly looks harmless and kind with good intentions but inwardly is full of deceit. Their motive is to mislead and deceive people into believing they are someone with good intentions, but that is not the case. There are some counterfeit Christians.

Jesus said that some would come claiming his name but deny Him by their actions. He said they would “call me Lord, Lord,” but not do the things which I say.” Luke 6:46

The apostle Paul speaks of a counterfeit Christianity when he said, “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20: 29-31).        

We know Satan as being the master deceiver. Let’s not fall prey to his deceitful nature and plans. For the Church is under attack and we must stand and remain obedient to His Word in this confused world!

Not a sermon, just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor