
Years ago, my friend Denise and I were talking about concerts, a particular Christian band came up. “If you ever get the chance to see them in concert, go,” she advised. “It’s a good show.” Can you believe that the phrase “a good show” chines in my head periodically? It’s been incessant since I’ve first contemplated writing this post; and that was quite some time ago.
A good show.
I don’t know what teaching I was listening to but I can almost assuredly accredit a teaching to my asking the girls one day: “Am I the same person at home as I am when I am in public?” Thankfully, without hesitation, they answered, “Yes.” Now, before you get your hackles raised, I confess that my family, especially Bob, is the most apologized to person in my life. Our communication skills, or rather, lack thereof, has caused many a wave; sometimes tidal-like in nature. He gets under my skin like no one else has or can, and I’m sure it’s the same for him. We rub each other in ways the grocery clerk never will so we squeeze out the ugly in each other that Christ would refine–if we’d give it to Him–which I’ve been making a conscious effort to do. I honestly don’t want to mistreat my husband, that’s probably the same for him as well. Thankfully, we’ve had years of purification so our stormy waves aren’t as frequent and they are not on the scale of what they once used to be–thank God.
The point is, in my essence, and in my character, I am the same person within my four walls as I am without.
Mum also had shared something she saw that goes along with today’s God’s Word Girl. She remembers watching something years ago where people who worked for Christian t.v. were interviewed. They said so many of the guests were incredibly rude, nasty people. Their sweetness was reserved for the camera. That was disheartening to hear. What the world needs is authentic people. In particular, the world has need of authentic believers in Jesus Christ. Imagine what it would be like if our neighbors saw the attributes of Christ in us without our homes and realized, by the sincere display of love and respect that we have for our family members, that that is what goes on inside of our homes. People, it shows.
I’ll never forget the evening we had the grandparents come to celebrate a birthday. As is our practice, my three daughters and myself were peaceably working in the kitchen like a well oiled machine after our meal. I happened to look into the dining room and catch my mother-in-law watching us, just silently observing. It wasn’t creepy, mind you, she looked thoughtful. Was it because their home life was on the tumultuous side?
We must have the courage to ask the hard questions, especially when it pertains to ourselves. Would our spouses say we’re all sweetness around the pastor but we are bitter roots at home? Is the mainstay of our homes peace, joy, and love? or do we have children who can’t leave fast enough and get away far enough from us? Are we courageous enough to ask our family members and those closest to us how we can be better? Can they approach us and tell us what about us irritates them without us justifying ourselves and becoming angry?
When we were dating, and Bob and I were in jest with each other, I’d sometimes hit him on the the head. Mind you, it was playful taps. Why? I don’t know. I never gave it much thought. But when he asked me to quit, I did. Bob didn’t make many requests, (he still doesn’t), so if it was important enough for him to mention, and I wouldn’t have listened, we may have never gotten married and have the beautiful family that we currently have. That’s not an extreme thought; it’s the little foxes that destroy the vine.
Are we heeding our family members/friends? Respecting them? Loving them? Being at peace with them? If that is our normal, people will realize this truly is our authentic selves and desire it for themselves.
I leave you with two thoughts:
1. “There is never a reason to be unkind.” ~ Ravi Zacharias. But when we are, as we most assuredly will be, let’s repent and apologize. And be encouraged to remember that the more we practice self control in our emotions the better we will become at it and our behavior towards others will follow suit.
2. Be mindful that the pastor isn’t always present, but Holy Spirit is. He hears everything we say and sees everything we do. He’s not present to accuse, but to correct. If we ask Him the hard questions, He’ll answer; if we obey, we’ll change. Life will be better, guar-an-teed!
Join me today in being our authentic selves; not the fleshly, worldly selves, but the Spirit within us selves. God bless you as you journey on the way.