Phonies

Goody-Goodies, Snake Oil Salesmen and Other Pretenders

“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” Galatians 6:3-4 NIV

“Talent is God-given; be humble. Fame is man-given; be grateful. Conceit is self-given; be careful.” John Wooden

New Christians may seem a bit hypocritical when they first become Christians, but that’s just young enthusiasm and thankfulness until the life lessons come to visit. And they always come to visit. They feel and celebrate as the Prodigal Son did with his Father, which is good, but what about the other son? Do we resemble him too?

Plodding, enduring, working, and a bit of martyrdom–duty. I can tell when I’m not abiding in Christ: resentment, comparing, and “what about me” is exhausting! It’s back to seeking approval, earning approval, and thinking it’s in my power. I have forgotten a fundamental truth:

God’s love is a gift. I can’t earn it; I don’t deserve it but here it is–a gift. Ephesians 2:8-10 states it plainly so we won’t boast and tumble away. We may become the other son in the Prodigal story. He earned it. He endured his brother’s failures. He worked and worked. Did he do it for the love of his Father? I think he was being dutiful for his inheritance—not out of love. The father said, “Everything I have is yours but your brother was dead and now he is alive!” Was the son that remained with his dad alive? This son worked with his Father, possessed all his Father had but there was no joy. And he did not want to celebrate his brother’s return to life.

Musings

It’s so upsetting sometimes when charities, politicians, and other public figures declare their faith and get caught in some scandal when no one is looking. They’ve cheated on their spouse, they come across as phony, and they’ve endangered or financially hurt their communities or their employees because they forgot: it’s a gift. There but for the grace of God go I. We must thank and abide. It could be us. Maybe it has been us.

Prayer

Dear Father,

The world always seduces us into thinking we’re something we’re not. It’s in our very hearts to be “something—” famous, rich, beautiful, talented or wise. These gifts can be good things if we abide by and remember who is the Gift-Giver.

“Thank you for Your Indescribable Gift.”

Amen.