Authenticity

It’s common for all of us to be inclined to hide behind a mask. As a preacher, I’ve always felt the pressure to fit a specific mold. You’re expected to speak and act in particular ways. I’m thankful for the wise friends who have helped me be at ease with myself.

Years ago, John Wiggins either encouraged or tricked me into becoming an Assistant Cubmaster. One of the many great pieces of advice he gave me was to relax. You see, the first time I got up to address everyone, all the “preacher” habits kicked in, and according to him, I became so formal it was like I was someone else. I realized I needed to think about who I wanted to be. While I’ve never cared about what others thought of me in most settings, I had adopted a whole set of expectations.

I’ve only owned one vehicle that fits my average-sized self—a 2002 F250 Crew Cab. I liked that truck, but now I drive a 2007 Honda Odyssey (also known as the #adventurevan or the #coneofshame). I’ve realized that while I would enjoy having that truck again, I don’t want to give up the van. It’s far more accurate to who I am now. Maybe I’ll own a truck again, but until then, this van can still carry 70 bags of mulch. This kind of “hypocrisy” abounds…

But, in the Gospels, Jesus often called out a far more dangerous kind of hypocrisy, especially among the Pharisees and other religious leaders. They were more concerned with outward appearances and people’s approval than genuine faith and obedience to God. The Greek word for hypocrisy, “ὑπόκρισις” (hypokrisis), originally referred to play-acting in the theater—wearing a mask to pretend to be someone you’re not. Jesus used this term to highlight the disconnect between the Pharisees’ outward piety and inner moral corruption.

In Matthew 23, Jesus says to the Pharisees, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:27–28, ESV). He emphasizes that genuine righteousness isn’t about putting on a show but what’s in your heart.

My prayer for all of us is to reflect on how we can ensure that our actions and words genuinely reflect the values we hold in our hearts.

‌‌‌~PW 🌮🛶‌

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