For the first time in a month I have finally figured out why I have been suffering from writer's block. I had become too concerned with not hurting feelings, stepping on toes, offending someone, trying to write what I thought people wanted to hear, etc. In short I have not been real!
If I remember correctly, Jesus did not concern himself with those type of things. (NOT saying I am remotely comparible to Jesus of course.) However, we should strive to follow in his footsteps.
Speaking of being real, I fall short on a daily basis! Sometimes I am not 100% truthful. Sometimes I smile and say everything is okay, when I know it is not. Sometimes I do not exercise patience. Many times I let my past mistakes beat me in the head like an abusive parent beats their child. Sometimes...I even doubt God...I question him...his plan...his ways...instead of having 100% blind, unfaltering faith.
What would "the church" look like if we could all be this open and honest with each other?...Instead of wearing our false smiles and pretending like everything is okay...when we know good and well it is not!
Have we been brain washed into thinking this is "normal behavior?" This is basically no more than being like the pharisees in Christ's days on earth. The ones who had plenty of "religion." They just did not have a relationship! Those were the very people Jesus said that unless they change their ways, they would NOT see the Kingdom of Heaven! I do not want to be that way... I want to be real!
The following are lyrics from a "Casting Crowns" song entitled ""Stained Glass Masquerade" (This song exemplifies what I am attempting to say....)
Is there anyone that fails / Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small
'Cause when I take a look around / Everyone seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover / That I don't belong
So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me, the way that I see them
Are we happy plastic people / Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness / Smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open / To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we'll close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade
Is there anyone who's been there / Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded in the alter for a stage
The performance is convincing / We know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching / Can we really fall apart
But would it set me free / If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person / You imagine me to be
Would your arms be open / Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus / Be enough to make you stay
I know I am not the ONLY one who bares this burden. I am convinced that the vast majority of christians feel this exact same way. I also know that these actions (coloured in lack of truth and substance) are what the world in general uses to view christians as being hypocrites!
If you are like me and you have had enough of these charades, let's all ban together...
.....Afterall, isn't it time to be real?
