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Revealed
When I read this verse, it so much reminds me of the person I was before God changed me from the inside out.
Before I accepted Christ, I was very much a part of this world. I was able to project an image of myself that was definitely whitewashed. It was important to me to make sure everyone who met me knew I was successful, happy, in control and exactly where I had planned to be at this point in my life. I had what I thought was a great corporate position. I made a nice living, drove a brand new vehicle, lived in an upscale community and was able to travel a good part of North America, all paid for using my expense account. That is what I looked like from the outside.
On the inside was a different picture. I was a lost soul. I tried to project an image of a person I wasn’t. I had failed at marriage. My family kept a safe distance, and most of my friendships were shallow or short-lived. I was a person longing for anything at all that had real meaning, but had no idea how to find it. In the end, I was filled with pain, loneliness and anger.
Living a life of deceit and lies is like a living tomb. It is a self-imposed prison with no way out except through God’s grace and forgiveness.
Through God’s love, I was lifted out of this worldly tomb into a place of grace and forgiveness. I was finally able to allow myself to be seen as I really am. Through my faith in Christ, I am able to be open and honest in my relationships. For me this was one of the most freeing moments of my life. Anyone who knows me can tell you – if you ask me a personal question you are going to get the “real” answer.
God wants us to have lives that are fulfilling, just like as a father I want this for my own children. He doesn’t want us to be burdened by trying to be accepted by this world, because we are only here for a second.
Frank Thanks for serving as an elder. I praise God for all the men who have taken on the burden and joy of leading our church. I quess the question of the day for me is “Does the inside match the outside?” I would have to say yes and no. There are days it does and days I fake it. The struggle I have is how to deal at work when my walk with Christ is on auto pilot. Life and work doesn;t stop just because I am having a bad day. The other time I stuggle is when a nice southern person asks ‘how are you?’ Do they really want to know or do they just have nothing else to say. I am so grateful that God knows and loves just the way I am.
I would again ask you to pray for John Jr. today. He has landed safely in Kenya and today is is first full day there. thanks
Sometimes I struggle with properly representing my inside on my outside. I then end up confusing what a follower of christ looks like vs. what people think a follwer of christ should look like. Christ is the mold, if I focus on being Christ, then this confusion will fade away. This is often easier said than done.
Thanks for the insight Frank.
What you are describing is the definition of integrity – showing the same face to everyone. Frank, I’ve always viewed you as a man of integrity. It’s a great testament to the work of God in you. I’m glad to call you Brother!
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits… who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion… Psm 103
You’re awesome Frank :]
Frank, I am trying to catch up on my reading and just read your story. I am so glad that you (and Megan!) are a part of CCC! Thank you for your honesty. It is hard to believe that you had shallow relationships before. You are one of the “realest” people I know! I thank you for your TRUE friendship to Eddie and me and for sharing your story!