Deb’s Blog
Deb’s Blog
2009
This past week I had an opportunity to witness on my job. In the past, I’ve prayed and asked God to help me be more “bold for Him.” Our group had a little exercise to get to know each other better.
We were supposed to write down on a piece of paper something about ourselves that we didn’t think the others would know. Then we were supposed to try to match the person with what they wrote. The person who got the most right matches got a prize.
I thought about this quite a bit and prayed about it. Here’s what I wrote down, “God is my best friend. He is very real to me.” I felt good about what I wrote and thought of the verse,
“...whoever confesses Me before men, the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8
When the time came to acknowledge which description was ours, I felt quite stressed. I didn’t want to feel this way, but I did. Why did I feel this way? Was I afraid that somehow those in my group would think less of me?
I try to be open and transparent in my life now instead of the fake I used to be. Why is a person a fake? What are the underlying reasons? Isn’t it often pride and selfishness? Isn’t being a fake just living a lie?
Are we so concerned about what people will think that we “Fake it” to look as good as possible? If people think bad of us, aren’t we afraid that it will hurt us?
Are we scared of what will happen to us if we are transparent and share our true thoughts and feelings? But who are we thinking about when we think like this? Just think how Jesus allowed Himself to be humiliated, hanging naked on a cross where everyone could stare at Him.
Why do some people put on a “front”? Isn’t it because they don’t want others to know what’s really inside of them? People often act in such a way so that others will think highly of them. They want to impress people.
The Pharisees were fakes. They had thoughts and feelings inside them that were bad but they made themselves appear very holy so people would think highly of them. Their lives were a lie.
Jesus said, “On the last day many people will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, we spoke for you... and did many miracles.' Then I will tell them clearly, 'Get away from me, you who do evil. I never knew you.'” Matthew 7:22-23.
Do you think the people Jesus is talking about are the “Fakes?” They say they follow God, but their actions do not match their words.
Even if I’m a fool for what I say, should it matter if I am “Real?” If I’m a fool for God then it’s for a very good cause.
Are you “Real” or “Fake?”
Real Or Fake?
9/5/09
Are we so concerned about what people will think that we “Fake it” to look as good as possible?