A “MANUFACTURED” LIFE … A “MANY-FRACTURED” LIFE
Sitting in a Funeral the assembled mourners heard a Eulogy that highlighted only the positive aspects of the deceased’s life, I suppose that’s what an Eulogy is supposed to do.
However in this case a very flawed individual, it seemed outshone the likes of Mother Theresa and other Luminaries of saintly renown.
After the prolonged speech of anecdotes and illustrations one “mourner” turned to his friend and said, “have we come to the right funeral?”
Positivity can stretch so far that truth is undermined … the work of the staff of politicians, actors, and those who claim to take an ordinary resume and turn it into a document that would make any would be employer a “fool” not to employ the candidate.
We call these “journalistic” swains, Spin Doctors … “spinning a yarn” a web, often of exaggeration that borders on deceit.
Of course we all want to be seen in a good light … a “good name” is preferred above “great riches”, more valued than “precious ointment” the Bible says Proverbs 22;1, Ecclesiastes 7;1 … But it has to be a genuine reputation … and Testimony.
We have lived for decades in an Era of projected images and facades … Hollywood has taught us the “art” of glamour and facades, irrespective of the actual state of our heart and nature.
We recoil at the thought that this has crept into the church, but sadly it has … it’s that part of our nature that cries out for acceptance, honour and a good reputation.
Sadly we so hunger for acceptance that we’re willing at times to hide tarnished natures and cover up our flawed and failing characters.
The Bible tells us to “walk in The Light” and David, the Psalmist knew that the requirement of God is “Truth in the inward parts”, Psalm 51.
There would be no hope of true, biblical repentance or contrition without a recognition of our sinful natures … but common to us all is the deception of our Original parents who hid and, then called
before The Presence Of God came “covered up” with leaves that never impressed the Gaze of God.
I came to Christ as a choir of thousands sang, “Just As I Am, without One Plea”. I came with no desire to bargain with a Holy God, knowing that the earthly “currency” of self righteousness and self confidence was of little consequence to the Altogether Lovely One.
The phrase “come clean” is well used when the shadows of deception have been all to evident … Mercy is when we, knowing our utter sinfulness reach out for His Amazing Grace.
Hiding behind a manufactured “image” will keep you from Divine Acceptance … transparency before God will endear you to His Mercy, His Acceptance and the elevation to sonship.