Keep it Real

(This is Part 4 of a 4-Part Series)

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

“Quit being a poser.” Those four words stung my thin skin worse than the buzzing bees at a backyard birthday party. The truth hurt. But the truth was the way to find freedom. Trying to be someone other than my true self is a weight not worth carrying. This happens all-too-often when I’m insecure and trying to impress people that I think will offer some security. As we grow, we find places and people who help us be ourselves. A mentor. A small group. A church. But there are still times we find ourselves in situations where we pretend to be who we think others want us to be.

When we find ourselves pretending to be someone else, it’s nearly impossible to rest. There are fake-facts we have to double check in our minds. Details in stories have to line up. When we attempt to be a different person for different people, we put ourselves in a trap. Jesus wants each of us to keep company with him. To be authentic. To keep it real. With Jesus, there is acceptance no matter what you’ve done or who you’ve tried to be. Keeping company with Jesus allows us to live freely and lightly with no concern for what other people may say. Maybe Jesus is saying to you “Quit being a poser.”