Wesley Challenge_Day 16

Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I am?

MONDAY — 01.18.21 · Philippians 2:5-8, 2 Timothy 1:6-9
In other word, “Am I a hypocrite?” This is a hard question to ask yourself, but Wesley prompted it for a very good reason. Faking it—pretending to be better than we are—actually keeps us from knowing who we are and how we are doing. You don’t need to create an impression that you are better than you are. God’s grace says that you, as you are, with all your cracks and flaws and blemishes, are amazing.

⇒ Who do you have in your life who knows the real you? Seek one or more trustworthy people who know you honestly and caringly, and can give you honest feedback and guidance. Also remember that you need to do all you can to know the “real you” yourself. Write a letter to yourself identifying three areas of your life you would like to see grow. Seal it and save it (or go to www.futureme.org and send an email to your future self).
⇒ Are there particular environments where you feel as though you have to fake it? What are the factors that make you feel that you have to hide some part of the real you in those settings or relationships? Identify two or three steps you could take to be more real with people, either in seeking different settings or in challenging some of your own inner fears.

Prayer: God, help me to see myself as I truly am. Keep me from creating false versions of myself, and let me surround myself with people who I can be real with.