Everyone likes a smooth facade. We prefer to polish the inconsistencies in our life, filling in the “failures” that might dilute how someone perceives us, and shining the results long enough that others cannot see within. The process helps us build our castle of confidence wide and high while hiding our weaknesses from anyone that might expose the very things that cause us to doubt who and what we are. The need for the fa?ade extends to everything around us. This includes our behavior, dress, transportation, buying patterns, and even how we treat the animals in our lives.
I believe that it is important that each of us see our “self” for what it is. We need to understand the good, bad, and the ugly; even though this does not feel good. We much know the limitations and potential power of our actions. If you and I do this there is only one conclusion! We are weak, inconsistent, and morally flawed at our core. I find this discovery encouraging.
If one is going to look at the “self”, the prescription for what you will find is this; see yourself and then see God and how God sees you. God knows every weakness you will find and more! God is truly in love with you and me, far beyond any ability I have to comprehend. God hates our weaknesses and failures and wants to give us the opportunity to be all that our Creator intended for us, perfection, peace, and the opportunity to grow. You are special and perfect; not because of anything you have or will do, but because of how God looks at you and what He has done for you.
Each day is a unique opportunity to see our self for what we are and understand God and what He offers. The choice is plain; accept God’s gift or try to build a fa?ade that lasts.
In the interim, there are warning flags everyone should monitor. Remember, “Good people are good to their animals; the ‘good-hearted’ bad people kick and abuse them.” (Proverbs 12.10)
