Walk into her house and a showcase living room quickly commands your attention. Ornate, expensive furniture populates rooms tastefully embellished with understated artwork. A lavish floral arrangement adorns a perfectly lit breakfast nook.
But no one ever sits on the furniture. The flower-shaped soaps in the soap dish never clean anyone’s hands; the towels in the kitchen and bathroom don’t dry anything. Everything you see is for show. Soon enough, the host ushers you to the basement. It’s not nearly as attractive, but downstairs is where the actual living takes place.
Most of us maintain a similar façade in our lives. When I’m angry with my wife or snap at my kids, but then I answer the phone and my voice suddenly becomes pleasant, I’m presenting to that caller only the upstairs of my life. If I lead everyone to believe that my spiritual life has only minor struggles, I’m not bringing the real me.
The apostle James warned about the self-deception we’re so susceptible to: “Don’t just listen to God’s Word,” he said. “You must do what it says” (James 1:22). Then he pointed out some specific areas where we all fall down. “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless” (James 1:26).
Next, he took additional aim at religion simply based on appearances: “How can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?” he asked (James 2:1). “Doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?” (James 2:4).
An attractive house with two sets of living space is one thing. But a life that hides reality from the world is of no use to anyone. True religion requires honesty with ourselves, with each other, and with God.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 8:1-5
More:
Jesus had some extremely harsh words for the hypocritical religious leaders of His day. Read Matthew 23:1-36 to see what He said to them.
Next:
What would happen if people could see how you really are? What do you think others would look like if you could see them as they really are? How does God view you?
mike on March 21, 2012 at 6:22 am
Thank you for the great reminder about life.
Challenged, encouraged, and inspired!!
lindafrances on March 21, 2012 at 10:20 am
I understand this upstairs, downstair analogy, but for many it’s, Sunday at church in our best clothes and Monday talking to people about calling their representative regarding his/her comments or vote on the gay agenda/abortion/backing pro-life
candidates…..
Many Parents and Grandparents today find themselves on the front line of the culture war. When we see our children and grandchildren, and all our loved ones, being targeted by people who want to change their view of the world away from God and towards secularism, it’s hard not to get angry. Walking that narrow path, while watching fiery darts aimed at your loved ones is frightening. (It’s so easy to leave the road and go after the attacker) Everyday, actually more like every hour, I have to ask God to help me to trust Him and pray for my loved one and those who are lost. They are blind and need to hear the truth.
I understand why Christians are reluctant to fight the cultural battles; because so often we get dirty. Unless God tells us different, we can’t give up. I often have to get up off the ground and ask God to dust me off and continue. Our loved ones hearts and souls are on the battlefield and I feel we must stand with them. It’s a messy task, and sometimes I wonder if I’m fighting the wrong battle. Do we ever win these battles while on earth?
tim gustafson on March 21, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Linda, thanks for this great reminder. Yes, it’s easy to get angry and want to “go after the attacker,” but that’s God’s job. I can’t answer your last question. But I can tell you that I’m there with you.
conmeo on March 22, 2012 at 12:38 am
Thank you Tim and others. I am one you speak of here. I am convicted. Praise God for His gift of mercy and grace and mostly His Son there is yet hope for me. Pray for me a lowly sinner.
mike wittmer on March 22, 2012 at 9:02 am
This is very challenging, Tim. I wonder what it is about our Christian faith that makes us feel like we need to put on a show. Better, what is it about us that makes us think this way?
lindafrances on March 23, 2012 at 11:03 am
I’m sorry for my earlier posting. If anyone was praying for me, thank you, God spoke to me.
winn collier on March 24, 2012 at 9:36 pm
I’ve always thought those living rooms chairs with the plastic covers were funny. It’s too easy, though, to have plastic covers over our true self.