“Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall,” Proverbs 16:18 (ESV). It is difficult to believe a society has ever been as pretentious as our own. Let’s get real; living by pretense is no life at all. God created mankind to bear His image, not to skulk around in a culture of self-promotion, exaggeration, falsehood and fakery. Thankfully, the raw, straightforward simplicity of the Gospel begins the process ripping away pretentiousness upon arrival. Christ’s example of love, humility, obedience, truth and power awakens virtue and initiates a clean sweep of all fraud. Sure, falsehood may hang around, but will find no easy resting place with Truth on guard. Though selfishness still lurks in the dark places of our lives, it must not be allowed to take center-stage. Lord God Almighty, shine Your blazing Light of Truth in me today. Illuminate the darkest corners of my soul with Your resplendent brightness and tear down every veneer. Make me entirely the real deal.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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