Friday, February 17, 2023

Have you ever tried to be something or someone you're not, and it completely consumed you? Pretending to be something false is like putting on a Halloween costume that doesn't fit right. It’s like one of those old, rubber masks that was too tight and always felt like it was cutting into your skin. But other than Halloween, I don't think we're supposed to wear masks. Unless we’re trying to be more like Jesus, pretending is never going to feel right.

Romans 12:3
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

I think Paul's warning is important because the human heart is sinful by design. When Jesus gifted God’s Holy Spirit to his followers after his death, burial, and resurrection, it was an invitation into a new life—to put our faith in him and love as he loved. But if we aren’t being authentic, it just won't work. I tried—until I realized how foolish I was being.

All of the shiny and expensive things we buy to make ourselves feel and appear better are cool, yes, but they leave our hearts empty and our bank accounts smaller. When I catch myself ignoring Paul’s warning, I laugh a little and ask myself, “Will this make you better, or is it going to make you think you're better than you really are?” If the answer has anything to do with vanity, then I know the answer, “You don't need it!” It might make me feel better in the moment, but in the long run, it’s meaningless.

Psalms 19:11
They [God’s decrees] are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

When I stray off course and drift from my God-given purpose, my days feel off, like something is missing. I’m irritable, emotional, and just not my normal self. Eventually, I realize I've been forgetting to put Jesus first (thinking of myself as better). It's crazy to think that forgetting to live from this simple truth—God’s got it—can make my life so discombobulated. It's like a slap on the head, “shoulda had a V8” moment. I am not better than I think I am, and no one else here on earth is either, only Jesus. Remembering this, I start thinking clearly, almost immediately.

Don’t ignore Paul’s warning—have faith; be authentic. You are enough. You are loved. You belong to God.

Questions:
Have you ever paid the price for not heeding someone’s warning? Have you ever warned someone and they didn't listen to you? Do you ever think you’re better than you really are?

Next Steps:
Journal about some of the warnings you’ve obeyed in your life. See how God was working in your obedience.

Prayer:
God, give me ears to hear and eyes to see the warnings that you give me. When I receive your warnings and lessons, help me to teach others so that I can warn them, too. Thank you for never giving up on me, and giving me purpose while I walk this earth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Casey Stengel, he is a follower of Christ and a dad of three. He works for the Zepf Center, specializing in Recovery Services, and is passionate about helping others. Casey is a graduate of Colorado Christian University with a degree in Biblical studies.