Fake

I have been “faked out” by people who appear genuine and real. I have had people tell me what I want to hear only to later find out the truth. I do believe that the truth usually finds its way out in the open. I’ve been around my share of fake people who act one way in public and another way in private. I’ve even heard that Facebook has been nicknamed “fakebook” because most people are not real. Steven Furtick, pastor at Elevation Church says, “The reason we struggle with insecurity is that we compare our ‘behind-the-scenes’ life with everyone else’s highlight reel.”

I am not a fan of fake or “plastic people” who pretend to be something they are not. Please don’t hear me as one “throwing stones” because I am not perfect at all. In fact, I’m keenly aware of my sins and failures when it comes to living out my faith. When I stumble (and I stumble often), I get back up again.

I was reading through Ezekiel this morning and the Lord tells him about the judgement on false prophets. This is obviously something that the Lord doesn’t tolerate. Check this out….
22 You have discouraged the righteous with your lies, but I didn’t want them to be sad. And you have encouraged the wicked by promising them life, even though they continue in their sins. 23 Because of all this, you will no longer talk of seeing visions that you never saw, nor will you make predictions. For I will rescue my people from your grasp. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 13:22-23 NLT)

Those who see me in public may not know the private side of me like my family. I am a fairly simple man and somewhat of a “homebody”. I’d rather be home than just about anywhere on the planet. I don’t have it all together in my faith. I still let fear enter into my heart at times and it freaks me out for a bit. I am doggedly determined to follow the Lord no matter what comes my way. My family holds me accountable behind the scenes or on a stage for all to see.

I think the Lord loves people who are real and genuine. I think one of the things that authenticates Paul’s writings is his personal struggle. Check this out….
6 If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:6-10 NLT)

I would rather be real and disliked than to be fake and be loved.

It is my goal to be a genuine, Christ-follower who loves and respects others -even in disagreement. I don’t want to “air my dirty laundry”, but I feel the need to be honest with my failures and my success. I simply want to be real, humble and honorable. I want to honor God with my life – whether it’s my private, behind the scenes life or on a stage for all to see.

Pressing On!
Dwayne