Superficial Christianity rules the day, everything is based on what others think of us and what others expect, rather than on Christ Who lives in us.
1 Corinthians 1:18 "18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
Very few people are invested in authentic relationships, even their relationship with Christ is based on appearances rather than substance.
Ephesians 4:25 "25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another."
Indulging in a false persona is the same as lying. Pretending to be something to impress others is deceit.
Philippians 1:9 "9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,"
When we are authentic and confess our sins one to another, there is love and concern for one another. We cannot gain discernment without honesty about ourselves and others.
Superficiality is based on love of self, others are not very important unless they elevate the one who desires to impress those around them.
1 John 4:18 "18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."
If there is fear of being discovered, then there is probably an intense self focus. The real us emerges when the pressures of life as well as those who would point out our sin, begin to burden our soul. When rage appears at the pressure mounted, then we know there is much more work to be done in seeking Christ for cleansing of pride.
Isaiah 37:28-29 "…28"But I know your sitting down And your going out and your coming in And your raging against Me. 29"Because of your raging against Me And because your arrogance has come up to My ears, Therefore I will put My hook in your nose And My bridle in your lips, And I will turn you back by the way which you came."
No comments:
Post a Comment