Knock-Off Success

Have you noticed that just about everyone on social media appears to be successful?

With a camera, some good lighting, and a catchy quote, just about anyone can appear to be off the charts, dope. We’ve become a generation of "posers". Jerks can come off as philanthropists, google experts can now be authors, and the willfully unemployed can pose as success coaches. Everyday people are living a life that they believe will gain them attention. I do believe that there are some "real" people, who live the life they portray. Sadly though, those people are often overlooked because the glitter, sometimes catches the light better than the gold. Meaning, the people who are genuinely authentic can be out shined, or put on the same level, as the knock off.

In a sea of social media success, how do you distinguish the person who is actually doing the work vs. the one who stages it?

That question is not easily answered.

Sometimes, people who are posing don't know it. They genuinely believe that saying inspiring words, giving unsolicited advise, and then posting it on the internet makes them a motivational coach, or even a minister. They make themselves believe that success is how others perceive you to be.

I use to become frustrated by posers, sometimes I still do. While the real person is working their fingers to the bone, the poser, is able to appear as if they are doing the exact same thing. But, its only frustrating until I think about fruits. A person can fake work, but they can't fake growth.

Matthew 7:18-20 says:

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

This basically means that a person's fruit will tell you everything you need to know. The problem with posers is that they dont bear fruit! Posers are really good at selling other peoples fruit and showcasing it as their own.

So if you know a person who portrays themselves to have so much success , yet they only have excuses when it comes to producing their own, they are most likely a poser.

The sad part is that no one is exempt from becoming one. In certain industries there is a need to stay on top, and the lust of the eye can easily cause us to desire another person's success. This temptation has existed way before our time. All throughout the bible men and women have fell victim to the lust of the eye. The problem with lust, is that it's fruitless. It's empty satisfaction, attempts to portray our heart's desire, while never truly filling it.

In other words, if you are doing the work, growth will come. Don't fall for fake fruit. Stay humble, be focused, and watch the tree. Eventually it will show the truth.