I didn’t have a mango for the first time until I was 28. An authentic one at least. My family never ate mangoes like that, so they weren’t in my house growing up. Anything mango related I did have was just “mango flavored” – and I didn’t like it. Eventually, I just decided that I didn’t like mangoes. 

When I met my husband, who loves mangoes, you can imagine his surprise when I told him I didn’t like mangoes at all. After I said why I didn’t like them, he said artificial flavorings don’t taste the same as the actual fruit. You need to try a real mango. 

So I did. And, sis, let me tell you. IT’S WORTH THE HYPE. Mangoes are absolutely amazing. 

Every time I’m getting mangoes at the grocery store now, eating a mango, or telling someone how good they are, I can’t help but think…

How Many Of Us Are Consuming An Artificial Gospel?

Just like artificial flavorings led me to disliking mangoes, consuming an artificial gospel could cause us to make wrong assumptions about who Jesus truly is and what He’s done for us.

What does an artificial gospel look like?

• Embracing false doctrine. Anything that goes against what the Word of God says is considered false doctrine (2 John 1:9-11). Especially in the times we’re living in today, it’s so easy to become exposed to false doctrine. That’s why it’s so important for us to know God’s Word for ourselves, to be mindful of who and what we listen to, and to surround ourselves with those who can help us accurately break down the truth of the Bible (Ephesians 4:14; 1 John 4:1). Because the sad thing is, false doctrine can sound really good (Romans 16:17-18; Acts 20:29-30; 2 Peter 2:1-3). But just because something sounds or looks good to us doesn’t mean it’s good for us.
• Filling ourselves with things that don’t satisfy. Things outside of Jesus may satisfy us for a little while, but in the end, it doesn’t truly bring us the fulfillment that we need. There was a time in my life where I craved love and acceptance from the wrong people, and I tried satisfying that craving through relationships, sex, partying, and alcohol. But I had to learn the hard way that those things would never truly satisfy me. I had to learn that if it doesn’t involve Jesus and what He wants for my life, I don’t need it. And just as Jesus said to the woman at the well, He and He alone can provide true fulfillment and satisfaction: “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life” (John 4:13-14).

Who And What Are We Surrounding Ourselves With?

The reason I’d gone so many years without trying a real mango was because of the environment I was in. And when it comes to our walk with Christ, who and what we surround ourselves with is crucial. We need people that will sharpen us, point us to the truth of the gospel, and hold us accountable (1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 27:17).

Have We Tasted And Seen That The Lord Is Good?

Are we just sitting near the things of God and not partaking? Do we merely know scripture and church lingo, or do we have a real relationship with Jesus? The Bible says to “taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!” (Psalm 34:8).

Just like I fell in love with mangoes after tasting them, all it takes is one experience with Jesus to change the course of our lives (both here on earth and eternal).

Are We Sharing The Good News?

I wouldn’t have known about how good mangoes are if my Husband hadn’t said anything to me. So when it comes to the good news of the gospel, we need to be ready and willing to share it with others. There are lost people in this world who are in need of Jesus, and they are waiting on us to share His life saving message (Matthew 28:19-20).

Are We Continuing To Feed Ourselves The Good News?

The first time I tried a mango definitely wasn’t the last time I had one. Now that I know how good they are, it’s something I enjoy on a regular basis. Sis, we shouldn’t be satisfied with just being saved or the bare minimum of Christianity, but we should continue feeding ourselves the good news and the Word of God so that we continue maturing spiritually (1 Peter 2:1-3).

Okay, sis. Let’s Recap!

Nothing other than the true gospel of Jesus Christ will satisfy our every need. And as we continue walking with Him, we should be mindful of who and what we surround ourselves with. We should make sure that we’re not merely appearing godly (2 Timothy 3:1-9). And we should always be ready and willing to share the light of the gospel with a dark and fallen world.

Pause & Reflect

1. Pick one or two Bible verses linked in this post to meditate on this week. Journal what God reveals to you through His Word. 
2. Pray and ask God to reveal any areas where you’ve been entertaining things that don’t align with His Word. Journal what God reveals to you and ask Him for the strength and strategy to separate yourself from it.
3. When was the last time you shared the gospel with an unbeliever? Ask God to give you the strength, boldness, kindness, and love needed to witness to someone this week.