Stop Faking It with Andi Andrew

“Fake it till you make it” is a phrase that is often met with laughter, encouraging people to pretend to be someone they’re not in the hopes of fitting in. But the funny phrase often causes believers and non-believers alike to live a life that is based upon lies, trying to please others.  In Fake or Follower: Refusing to Settle for a Shallow Faith, Andi Andrew says followers of Jesus should have endless grace for imperfections but zero tolerance for fakes.

Andrew shares in the book why she believes Christ followers begin to fake it after they find, and are found by, God’s honest and real love.

“I believe the problem is that we live in a world filled with a lot of bad news, obsessed with self, and consumed with the need for more.”

When the good news of the gospel becomes a genuine reality for us, she says, we stop faking it through religious obligation and begin to lovingly and passionately follow Jesus anywhere, anytime—no matter the cost. The reality is that Christ followers have the Good News! Really good news—the kind that is full of God’s goodness, mercy, grace, and power—literally turning lives upside down.

Christine Caine, founder of Propel Women and A21 shares her thoughts onFake or Follower: Refusing to Settle for a Shallow Faith.

“Andi has a powerful and urgent message for followers of Jesus. A hurting world is desperate to see the real thing, but the gospel must be real for us first. Are we living it or faking it? This book will challenge you and leave you equipped and encouraged to passionately follow Jesus in your sphere of influence. You were created to make a difference, and Andi will walk alongside you as you do.”

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” 1 Peter 1:6-8

Lisa Bevere, New York Times bestselling author and cofounder of Messenger International reflects on what she took away from the book.

“I adore Andi! Her unrestrained passion for Jesus is contagious. Fake or Follower is a compelling look at what it means to dive into the deep transforming love of Jesus and unearth the beauty of genuine discipleship. Andi challenges you to search your own relationship with God while inspiring you to ‘boldly walk the road less traveled.‘”

Risen Reflections

Stop faking it. It can be difficult to live our lives for Christ. Our friends and culture tell us we should look a certain way, drive a specific car, and do these activities to fit in. But those things might not even be what God has called us to be. Take a step back and pray and ask God if you are being true to what He has called you to be. Think about if there are activities or relationships that you need to step away from so that you stay true to what He has created you to be.

Surround yourself with authentic friends. Fake friends might be there when things are going well, but a true friend is with you even when times are difficult. A faithful friend is willing to challenge you and call you out based on God’s truth. If you don’t have an accountability partner, ask a close friend, small group member or see if there is someone at church that would like to meet for accountability. An accountability friendship is based on both people wanting to become more like Christ. You can pray together, read a devotional together, and share struggles all with the goal of helping each other out.

Deepen your faith. It is time to take the next step in your relationship with God. That will look different for each person. For some it will mean going from attending church on Sunday to getting involved in a small group and for others it might mean going from being a “Sunday Christian” to truly living their lives for Christ. Pray and ask God what that looks like for you. If you need ideas, ask your small group leader or pastor where to start.

For more info on the book, click here