The Bisley Boy – An Impostor or Not?

Was Queen Elizabeth I an imposter?

Dear Kids,

Have you ever met an impostor? Though we don’t always realize it, it happens all the time. Someone pretends to be someone or something he is not. Last night after dinner Dad told us a fascinating legend about Queen Elizabeth I of England. According to this conspiracy theory, the daughter of King Henry VIII was actually a boy.

Supposedly the 10-year-old Lady Elizabeth was sent away to the country town of Bisley to protect her from a terrible plague outbreak in London. Though she was miles away, the young girl, unfortunately, contracted a fatal illness. While she lay dying in bed, her governess got word that the King was coming to visit, but before the King arrived the child died.

Knowing the King’s history of violence and rage, the governess panicked and searched for a replacement. Unable to find a young girl of similar age with comparable features she did the next best thing. She found a boy who would suffice and dressed him in the girl’s clothes.

The King, who was not a frequent visitor, did not recognize the switch. Supposedly he was never told the truth and the impostor continued on living out a lie – all the way to the unlikely coronation and beyond.

Whether or not this legend is true, there are many today who live as someone they are not. Even in our churches, there are many who profess to be children of God. Yet hidden underneath the spiritual words, pious looks, and diligent acts of service there is an impostor who will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

These religious-sounding people may refer to God as “Lord” but He will not be fooled. On the final day of judgment when they list all their so-called qualifications, God will reply to them, “I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized.”

How can we know whether we are a legitimate child of God? The decisive issue is whether or not we obey our Father in heaven. First John 3:10 says, “So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not obey God’s commands and does not love other Christians does not belong to God.”

I have no idea if “The Bisley Boy” legend is true or not. And frankly who really cares? But as to the question of whether or not one is a child of God or an impostor – that is a matter of great importance.

Love,

Mama