The Counterfeit

To counterfeit means to imitate something authentic, with the intent to steal, destroy, or replace the original, for use in illegal transactions, or otherwise to deceive individuals into believing that the fake is of equal or greater value than the real thing.

When I was in high school, a shoe that was popular to wear was the famous Kanye West shoe, the Yeezy boost 750. They were popular because of their comfortability as well as their unique design. So when they came out in 2015, rather than saving up my money and paying full price for them, I decided that I was going to get the cheaper knock off versions from overseas.

After I ordered them, it took almost 4 months to get in the mail and they came in a box that was completely smashed and had water damage. It looked like someone just threw them on a cargo ship and hoped they would make it to the USA safely. When I opened the box, I could clearly tell they were fake because they were the wrong size, and they were a poor quality. That day, I learned my lesson: don’t settle for the counterfeit, wait and save up for the real thing.

There is a story in the book of Genesis about 2 brothers, Jacob and Esau and their father Issac. Esau, a skilled hunter, was the older brother and because he was the oldest, he had the right to the family birthright. By birthright, the firstborn son inherited the leadership of the family and the authority of his father. One day, Esau came home after spending all day hunting in the open country and Jacob was making stew. This is what happened…

“Esau said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!”

Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”

“Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”

But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.

Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.

So Esau gave his birthright.” (Genesis 25:29-34)

Just because he was hungry and desperate, Esau gave up his entire birthright for a pot of stew. No matter how much he wished he could go back and change what he had done, he chose the instant gratification in the moment over the long term blessing.

Our enemy, the devil, is known as the deceiver of the world (Revelation 12:9) and his job to kill, steal, and destroy everything good in our lives. In fact, when Jesus was hungry in the desert after fasting for 40 days the Devil came to him and tried to deceive Jesus to turn stones into bread. But instead of giving in like Esau, Jesus responded, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:1-4) Jesus was able to resist because He knew what the consequences were if he disobeyed God’s command.

In the world we live in, we are constantly shown ads of companies trying to get us to buy products and food that they demand “You have to have right now!” However, learn from Esau and when you are tempted to settle for the easy temporary fix, let’s view things with a long-term perspective. Whether that is financially: choosing not to go into debt for a big purchase and saving up over time instead. Or physically: choosing a healthy home-cooked meal over fast food. Or spiritually: spending time in prayer and reading God’s word over binge watching your favorite show. Your future self will thank you even though in the moment it requires a tremendous amount of discipline and patience. Choose the real thing over the counterfeit. It is worth it in the end.

“Discipline is choosing what you want MOST over what you want NOW.” -Craig Groeschel

The Bigger Picture: Don’t settle for the temporary fix, wait for God to bless you with what is best for you.