To your own self be true – 25 March 2020

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into to him who is the head, into Christ. Ephesians 4:15

We all know the story of the king who was duped into believing that he was clothed in such a beautiful garment that he paraded himself in the streets with no clothes at all. Of course, he made a fool of himself for being so easily mislead.

Sometimes we act in the same way by believing lies that simply don’t make sense. Often the worst lies are the ones which trip us up. Despite what you think, lies do harm people. That is a truth that you cannot deny. Lies have a negative impact not only on those you lie to, but also on yourself.

We all like to believe that we are not that sinful, selfish or loveless in the eyes of others. And in believing that we fool ourselves into believing that we’re ok and before you know, we stand before God and our fellow human beings naked and ashamed.

If you are serious about growing in Christ and being straight with others, you need to let go of the hidden agendas and the self-justification of your actions. Maybe you take pride in manipulating people to believe what you want them to believe, but what do you gain from this? Nothing, except that you create an obstacle between you and your loved ones, and between you and your Saviour. “Get behind me, Satan!” was Jesus’ answer to Peter when he tried to manipulate Christ to act in a certain way. Take care therefore, that these words of Christ do not apply to you.

Prayer: Lord, how easy it is for us to bluff others and even ourselves, while forgetting that You see through us. Teach me to seek the truth at all times. Amen