A man once purchased some property that included a house and a barn. Looking through the barn, he found an old chest that contained a violin. Upon closer inspection, he found the word “Stradivarius” inscribed on the instrument. Knowing that a genuine Stradivarius could be worth millions of dollars, the man had high hopes as he took it to be appraised.

However, an expert told the owner of the instrument that it was not a genuine Stradivarius. It was in fact a cheap imitation that was made in the 1900’s, and was worth about $500. The appraiser told the disappointed owner, “Just because something has a label doesn’t mean it’s real.”

Jesus often warned against hypocrisy. Just because people claim to follow him doesn’t mean that they really do.

“Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?”—Luke 6:46.