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We smile and we're extra nice when there is company or we are in the presence of the "church folk". We use extra-spiritual jargon : "Oh Praise God, Sister !", "Hallelujah Pastor", "Oh. Yes I know God's gonna do it for me. Amen !" Maybe these ones are too dramatic for you but you know what I'm talking about !
I am pretty sure that Jesus loved the Pharisees as much as the next person, but He could not stand their hypocritical self-righteousness. And since Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), I know for sure that He hates it now too.
I don't want to be nasty to my husband at home and then go in public and pretend I am the best wife ever. I don't want to live a prayer-less life, spending days on end without prayer and yet when I go to church, I talk and act as if I am the most prayerful person. I don't want to gossip, slander and attack people with my words when they are not watching and yet when I see them , they suddenly become my "bff".
Here's the bottom-line : faking it is tiring and Jesus is looking for some authentic who will stand for Him both privately and in the public eye. He would rather we be hot or cold. Not somewhere in between so we can please one set of people at any given moment.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” But you do not realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. - Revelation 3:15-17And again ,
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. - Hebrews 4:13
AUTHENTICITY !
I've seen a lot of people choose one word that will describe the themes of their lives for 2013. I did not really sit down to think of one but if there is one word I want to live my life around this year, it is AUTHENTICITY. I want my private life to be so full of God that there will be no other choice than for it to spill over into the life that everyone else sees.
God is looking for authentic believers and I want to raise my hand to be counted in that number.
15 comments:
I am guilty of wearing those masks! I have always been scared of being part of an accountability group..... and when I am a part of a group Bible study, I am careful to share ONLY what I don't want the whole world to know. Trust doesn't come easily and neither does being real. But I will say for the past 14 days I have been part of a challenge with 2 precious sisters with whom I have become extremely REAL with. It has been very hard, yet such a blessing!! I want to be real... and I want my walk with HIM to be authentic. I too want to be counted in that number! Thanks for following MercySavedMe!
Oh Piper, we've all been guilty of wearing those masks ! I really thank God for His mercy and grace because I don't know how I would survive without it. God bless you.
I like this post and the word you chose for 2013. I am visiting from What Joy Is Mine as I am linked up right after you.
I hear you, the fear of being a hypocrite, what a fear as a Christian, I want to be authentic all the time - and I'm grateful that God will help change my heart, so my actions will be easier for me to control, the more I look to him for that help.
I love this- even if you don't pick a "word" the goal of authenticity in the year is a great one - I'll pray for you tonight.
Marissa
http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com
Thanks Marissa !
Excellent Gertrude,
Found you again. Must mean something eh? (Canadian). Yes yes, authenticity is so important - if we mess up - we mess up - ask forgiveness and try again. Just like children we are in a challenging learning ground.
Blessings to you this day,
Janis
Very good post. It's something I need to work on in my own life. Thank you.
Oh Dottie, we ALL need to work on this in our lives ! And with the help of the Holy Spirit we will. God bless you !
I sure am a work in progress and want to be a great ambassador for Christ beginning from MY HOME. I submit my self to the porter every day, and I know He is still working, Thanks for sharing Gertrude.
Visiting from Monday Meet Up, have a super blessed day!
Love
http://www.ugochi-jolomi.com
i am with you on this. It has taken me years to get comfortable without my mask. God removed it for me several years ago and the freedom that came with the removal was incredible! Thanks for you wisdom.
It MUST mean something Janis ! Haha. Thanks for stopping by again. Let's continue to encourage each other in the Lord.
Dear Gertrude
Oh, what a good write. I had a nice giggle when you summed up the church people so beautifully! And truth be told, we are all guilty of that at times!! Yes, our Lord detest hypocrisy but commend truth and honesty. Thanks for a nice laugh!!
Much love
Mia
Such a good post, thank you! Over and over again He calls us to be truthful, transparent, real. And as we do, people are put at ease because they find out we are just like them!
Excellent post, being transparent is hard for this generation, especially since so much interaction is online.
LOL Mia ! I know. We all get caught in that and I am truly learning how not to be one person at home and another in public. Thank God for grace !
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