The above poem was sent to me in an e-mail by a friend. I liked it because for so many of us, self images play an important role in our lives. There is no denying it. People are VERY concerned about how they are perceived by others. As a first-born "people pleaser", I don't like confrontation and I get along with others quite well. I make others happy, and as a mother and wife, I still do. As a Christian, I do. And that isn't a bad thing if you can be true to yourself while about it. It's when we create false images; elaborate the truth, telling a little white lie to make ourselves look better, that gets us into trouble and further disconnects us from the Lord.

Take my driver's license for example. When I got it at 16, I put my true weight, height, eye color and hair color. It WAS the truth at the time. Now, over 19 years and three kids later, one would think I would updated my weight information, right? That would be the right thing to do. But no, the weight is the same, and since I carry my weight really well, I see no need and think I can pull it off. If I put my actual weight on my license, people would think differently about me, at least I think so. Maybe they would think, "No, that can't be!" Or, "Wow! Maybe she should have lied about that one!" This is a little white lie that can't hurt anyone, but nevertheless, it is a lie, and intended to make myself look better. I use this example because I know many can relate to it (and no, I will not admit my true weight!)

I could give other examples, but think about what you say and so that beefs up your image. Do you fabricate your career and how much money you make? How about how much time and money you give to the church and/or other charities? do you manipulate your words so that what you say is not really a lie, but a half-truth? If I say I only ate one muffin, that's true - I did only eat one. I don't have to say the muffin was a Costco muffin and the equivalent to 4 servings. See what I mean? How about "I go to church. I go all the time." When the truth is you go only twice a year - at Easter and Christmas. There are lots of half-truths, and most all of them are to make ourselves look better than we are.

Proverbs 12:22 says, "The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful."

The thing is, no matter who we try to fool, we can never fool the Lord, our Maker. Nothing can be hid from him, for he knows our hearts. He's the one we should want to make proud. No one can do for us what the Lord can. Now here is something I can be truthful about - no fabrication, I promise. While I was writing this devotion, I consumed 4 mini candy bars - yes, just 4. However, it's about the equivalent of 2 regular size candy bars! And I ate them for the simple reason that they were there, and I wanted them. There was no hunger involved. There's my truth for today!

Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Prayer:
Lord, with the life you have given me, there is no need for lying in order to make myself look better than I am. Just as you made me, it is enough. Just as you've given me, it is enough. Work on my heart Lord and help me to utter nothing but the truth, no matter where I go, or whom I want to please. You are the one my heart wants to please - the only one who matters. Thank you for all your blessings, as little as I may see them, or take them for granted. I know you love me just as I am, and that is enough!