Hi
There’s an adage which I believe might have been influenced by today’s Holy Nougat – ‘To thine own self be true!’ -which seems easier said than done. But, don’t take my word for it, let’s experience it together:
“The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”” Luke 10:29 NLT
Have you ever been there, trying to get around a situation by asking questions which may not really have bearing on the issue at hand? Or attempted to put-negotiate God?
Guilty on both counts. Lost out to God’s will in both cases.
How often we ‘do’ for the sole purpose of ticking a box; literally and figuratively; and not because of genuine desire, conviction or even empathy. We wish to be seen doing; and also to be perceived as being …
Ironically, God – Whose opinion OUGHT to matter most – already knows what we are genuinely doing for ourselves and others; and sees us for who we are.
So where does that leave us? With a mandate by us to be our real selves. God can handle it, even if others can’t, don’t, or won’t. And that other could easily be ourselves.
(As a critical side note; how often have we imposed unrealistic expectations on others and were disappointed when they didn’t measure up? Or worse yet; placed unrealistic expectations which set someone up for failure?! Hmmm)
Perhaps we need to revisit our rhetoric, by redefining the standards by which we act or judge. Or, begin a love relationship with our real selves; warts and all. One that doesn’t require justification or posturing to anyone. Not easy. But, by God’s Grace, it becomes doable, over time.
And so we crave a revelation of our inner selves, and the assurance that we are loved and within the orbit of God’s favour. A revelation beyond the need to justify. That meets us where we are, to help us keep it real. No mask. No justification. No pomp or pageantry.
Just us and our God, with incidental witnesses to it all.
God bless us all
Good morning
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
