5.08.2012

[genuine]


I know it's been quite some time since I've posted, and I apologize for that. I can't claim it's purely because of my busy schedule, though there has been that. It's been a combination of the moments of now distracting, and the experiences of life that made me, quite frankly, reluctant to post. But I felt like I needed to post once more. This is something that I feel I need to hear just as much as do some friends and acquaintances.

The dictionary defines genuine as, "free from pretense, affectation, or hypocrisy; sincere"


Now, we all know that everyone has flaws, everyone has made mistakes. I've done stupid things. You've done stupid things. That's the gospel. Through a miraculous sacrifice, we're no longer accountable for the mistakes we've made.

The Apostle Paul reminded us, young people specifically, about how we were supposed to bear ourselves, with this new, redemptive understand, when he wrote to Timothy, "set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."
This verse aptly summarizes our new responsibility as children of Christ. But the question arises, "What is the example we are to set?"


I recently attended a concert where Matt Maher was playing, and in-between songs he talked about Christ's church. And the point that really struck home for me was when he said "The church isn't full of perfect people, but broken people trying to love perfectly."
The example we set is not in any accomplishment. It's the way we strive to be better and to follow Christ closer.


But here's the problem that I see. And it's one that scares me, almost more than anything else:


I see a generation that only cares about how other people see them.


And so they go about life. Sharing about Jesus, giving to the poor, being a positive influence on those around them, saying and doing (or at least claiming) all the right things in their relationships.


And the crazy thing is, they're not doing it to be fake or misleading. They do it because they'd feel bad about themselves if anyone really knew how little they cared. But they don't care, and that scares them.


But in the verse about setting an example, while part of it has to do with actions, the more important thing is the integrity, and the genuineness behind the action.


But that is being ignored. And the result of it is people artificially creating the results they desire, instead of allowing those actions being a natural outpouring from a heart that truly desires those things.


I've experienced this personally, through relationships, and even artificial pity for me concerning my mother's passing.


Now, please understand, I do not write this out of bitterness or hurt, though I do not deny there have been moments of both. But instead I write now from a perspective of extreme disappointment and concern. That concerns stems from a realization that these people can continue to ignore the gaping hole within their own heart and soul by continuing to heap onto the pile of "correct actions." The right godly counsel. The correct decision for a relationship. The humility through success. The list goes on and on.


I would rather see genuine, selfish choices made by people then in-genuine unselfish ones. Why? Because maybe, just maybe, it will make them realize where the heart truly lies, and allow God to change it.


I have met a lot of good people in the short time I've been alive. I've also met a lot of people who are trying to get it right, and say all of the right things, but their heart and their private actions contradict the appearance they put on for everyone peering in from the outside.


Quit the facade. Cut obligatory public appearances to say the appropriate things. Stop caring if you really don't.


We all have a tendency to be in-genuine. I know I do. And you'll never be able to completely get away from it. Remember, we're simply striving. Just don't make fake a life-style.



"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for the reminder, Isaac. Perfect timing. :)

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  2. Great insight Isaac.
    Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:6-8

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  3. "...and even artificial pity for me concerning my mother's passing."

    What? How dare they! ::rolls up sleeves to fight:: ;)

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  4. Think about Phillipians 1, where we are reminded that not everyone preaches Christ out of joy- indeed, some do so out of 'envy and rivalry'. Yet Paul says that he is rejoicing, because in every way,whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.
    Are the true motives better? Absolutely. Would a church of people concerned with the heart rather than externals be more glorifying to God? Certainly. Just remember that God works in all things for His glory (that's the important part :D) and our good.

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    Replies
    1. I absolutely agree, but keep in mind there is a difference between the collective good of society, and personal good.

      Those same people who preached the gospel could very well be those referenced saying "Lord, Lord" simply to discover that their selfish motives and misplaced heart alienated them from God.

      So I think it's fair to say, we can be alright with the limited positive ramifications, but that doesn't mean we should be satisfied with the wrongfully-motivated heart.

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  5. Thanks for sharing that Isaac. You hit the nail on the head, it was definitely needed.

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  6. Hello Isaac,
    I just wanted to say that I have been reading your blog for a while now and I'm always blessed and encouraged by your posts. Thank you for being an encouragement to me! Keep up the writing and keep shining for Jesus!
    God bless!

    ~Hannah~

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  7. Jesus has always been concerned about our hearts' motives and desires. He even pronounced "woes" on the Pharisees who lived such outwardly correct lives but whose hearts were anything but holy.

    "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.
    Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." (Matt. 23:25-28)

    I think there is a little Pharisee in each of our hearts, and we need to battle against the tendency to live outwardly holy but inwardly godless lives.

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