“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things,” 1 Corinthians 13:11 ESV. As a child, I did not mind playing alone. I would simply dream-up elaborate scenarios filled with interesting things to do, and I, of course, was the central figure in all these imagined adventures. Pretending is an essential pathway to learning and development for children, but it is a passageway to self-deception as we become adults. Imagination and creativity have lifelong value, but to masquerade as something we are not is nothing more than falsehood and can lead to many serious problems. As I have matured in life, seamlessness between who I want to be and who I actually am has become more crucial. Heavenly Father, may Your maturing work in me produce increasing authenticity. Help me not gloss over weaknesses, deliver me from cover-ups, and use me for Your Glory.
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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