Hi ,
Those of
you who have purchased printers know that they're relatively inexpensive. The ink or toner, however, is often downright exorbitantly priced. Regardless of the reasons for why this is so, it's interesting to notice the "warnings" that come with the printers. The manufacturers want you to use "genuine" parts and ink/toner to guarantee "proper performance", and keep your machine in top condition. We're told not to fall for "cheap imitations" that could possibly even ruin the
machine. And, by the way, only use "their" paper, which guarantees the best performance.
While I'm sure that there are very cheap imitations that might indeed cause problems and loss of quality, there are some very good substitutes that are at least as good as the original equipment and supplies. It's up to us to do the research.
In the realm of Spiritual truth, however, there is only one true revelation, one true God, and one true way to heaven. There are no substitutes. But, that doesn't keep the devil from trying! It's amazing to me to see the
parallels that are concocted that have many similarities to biblical truth. There are indeed cheap imitations.
Take the Heaven's Gate cult as an
example, or Jim Jones, or the Branch Davidians (and many others). Look what they have in common with the truth - a belief in God, use of the term "Messiah", a "second coming", etc. The devil plays on people's innate need to believe in a higher being, something greater than themselves. God's Word is indeed powerful, and powerful people have harnessed portions of it, or ideas obtained from it, and used them for their own ends. Many still do. Many of them, however (like those
mentioned above) have led people straight to their deaths. They were indeed deceived by the cheap imitation!
And, by the way, a person may indeed be a true
follower of Christ, but accept cheap imitations of portions of the Scripture - like what often happens with the book of Genesis. All too often, the man-made imitations are accepted as truth. God's powerful Word is then watered-down and diluted.
If a person chooses a poor imitation of the original toner made for their machine, the quality of their printing might be at stake. Not really a big deal - it can be remedied. But, if they follow an imitation gospel, the Bible states clearly what the end results will be, and there is no remedy!
