Facades

We have all known people who have disappointed us by their actions. There are people that we have known for a long time and we thought we knew them. But then something happens to reveal their true character or motivation. It is such a disappointment when that occurs. However, we have probably been guilty of letting others down at some point ourselves.

Truth be told, we are all pretty good at putting on faces before others. Some even have their Sunday faces that are very different from their Saturday night faces. Jesus had a name for this kind of person; He called them hypocrites. I think the person for whom I have the most respect is one who is the same whenever and wherever you see them.

Perhaps the greatest compliment ever given to a man was stated in Acts 13:22, where it is said of David that he was a man after GOD’S own heart. We are reminded of the incident in a young David’s life when the successor to King Saul was being sought. All the children of Jesse were presented to Samuel for him to anoint the next king. David, being the youngest, was not presented. Samuel asked for David to be brought in and, of course, he was GOD’S choice to be the 2^nd king of Israel.

Judging by appearance, David did not seem to be the best choice. But in 1 Samuel 16:7, we find one of my favorite statements. It simply states that man looks on the outward appearance but GOD looks on the heart.

As I contemplate this great truth, this question comes to mind: what does He see when He looks at my heart?

I can put on a facade when dealing with my fellow man. I can hide my true motives from them. I can wear a Sunday face but have a Saturday night mentality. But I cannot fool my GOD. He knows.

Let me pray the prayer of the Psalmist and say “create in me a clean heart and renew within me a right spirit.” And help me O LORD to be the same whenever and wherever I am.