Don't be a Hypocrite, Be Real

I just can't shake the false-advertising indictment of fig tree by a hungry Jesus. I love the faith-focused answer to His men. Indictment: Don't claim to be something you're not. Don't give false impressions of fruitfulness. Answer: Honestly and humbly lay hold of the power that is yours in Christ. Professed faith must have fruitful proof. Power comes through Christ-honoring dependent prayer.  Seems that Christ is teaching two related lessons in Matthew 21:18-22: one aimed at our low road tendency to fake it and one pointing to the high road of faith in Him. Lesson 1: Don't be a hypocrite. Don't, like the false-advertising fig tree, pretend there is fruit in your life when you are bone dry. Don't wear the 'everything's fine' facade. Don't put on the 'I'm a good growing Christian' mask if it isn't true. You may deceive others and you will surely deceive yourself, but you will never fool God. Lesson 2: Be real. Genuinely trust God and obey His will. Tell people you are hurting. Declare your dependence and need. Set your pride aside and cling dependently to Christ. Believe God can do the humanly impossible. Believe He can pull you out of the pit and set your feet on higher ground. Don't doubt His ability or desire to help you. Those who come to Christ dependently obedient experience His blessing and power. Professed faith must have fruitful proof. Power comes through Christ-honoring prayer.