Proverbs 13:7: One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. (NIV)
This verse speaks of two very different people, who happen to have the same problem. One is poor, but he pretends that he is rich. The other is rich, but he pretends that he is poor. Both are pretending that they are something that they are not. Neither one is honest. The current political campaigns are heavily influenced by the media gurus, who operate on the premise, that the reality isn't as important as the perception of reality. A political candidate will be portrayed as something he is not. This practice is deceitful. Consequently, most people are cynical of the political process and do not vote.
But don't many of us regular people hide behind a mask. We pretend to be something that we are not. We fear being ourselves. We fear being real, of being truly honest, because we fear the pain of rejection and ridicule.
To many life is nothing but a game. God intends that you enjoy life to the fullest. In order to truly enjoy life, you must be honest. You must be real. To hide behind a mask will only retard your growth and your enjoyment of life.
God loves you and accepts you just as you are. Certainly He is at work to change us for the better, but it is important to understand that He loves us just as we are. Don't try to gain acceptance by pretending to be something you are not. The adventure of life is too sweet to squander by playing foolish games.
Wayne L. Williams
wayne@fotwm.org