April 25, 2008

Unfortunately I cannot give proper credit to the source. The fact remains that I heard a comment on the radio that has stuck with me this week. It was to this affect. “Trying to change what a person thinks about you is not the same as loving them – and love is what makes the difference.”

This comment stood out for me because I’d been reflecting on the human need to be perceived. So many times we can spend more time working on the what people perceive of us than we do on the fact of who we are.

This confusion of priority produces hypocrisy. Hypocrisy drives teenagers crazy. They see better than anyone the difference between what happens at home and what the public sees. And if we live in two different worlds, we gradually build a great gulf between who we are and who people think we are.

The answer? Truth, of course. Well, more accurately, truth in love. Nothing beats this team.

So this week’s assignment. Pay attention to what controls the words that come out of your mouth, the food that goes into your mouth, the thoughts you entertain in your head, the level of performance you give on the job. Then notice what controls those situations. Is it the people watching? (external) Or is it what you value because of the Spirit’s work in you? (internal) I obviously have a bias as to which one I believe is most healthy.

“Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” Ephesians 4:15

With full commitment,
Pastor Steve