Monday, February 18, 2008

Redefining ourselves


I rarely mention politics here because that's not what this blog is about, but today I want to address it simply as an exaggerated example of what we all seem to do in our lives. What we see in campaign years is the ultimate redefining of a person for gain- they want our vote and the position they seek. So the good politician tells us how wonderful they are and what they can do for us. We all seem to agree that they won't or simply can't do these things, but they promise them anyway.
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It's amazing to hear the politicians as they tell us how wonderful they are and what they can do. This whole process is the ultimate exaggerated example of what we do with each other all the time. We put on our "masks" to present the best face we can so people will "vote" for us. So they will like us, believe us, care about us. We want approval of others, and will do almost anything to get it. Some of the funniest comedy routines I have seen are based on this goal of gaining approval from others. We all do it, so why am I talking about it?
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It gives me an opportunity to simply focus on the one I need to seek approval from- God himself. When I’m busy trying to get approval from others I get confused about who I really am…my mask becomes my identity, but when I seek God’s approval first I can be who God meant me to be, and the love and care from others will come, but it will be for a different reason. If I seek God’s approval, seek him first, then I don’t have to “sell” myself to you to get your love or approval. I will love you and care for you regardless of your response because I already have the approval of the most important one- my Father.
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Let me encourage you to put the masks away in your life, seek God’s approval first, and then go live an honest life in the real world. Wearing a mask is a miserable way to live…they had a word in the ancient Greek theatre for those who wore masks. They called them hypocrites.
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Joh 5:44 "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?
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1Th 5:15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.



3 comments:

GramCrackers said...

Very good points! I do have one question: Where is Ballerina Hillary's other leg?

Kris Sorensen said...

Great reminder Mike - thank you.

Mike Messerli said...

I took the photo out of this post. It just didn't "feel" right, sorry.