It's okay to be one person at home and a different person with others...especially online.

One would not assume that a single lie (especially on the Internet) would be so complex! #13 goes vastly beyond first glances. It starts at home: acting differently in front of our parents. It spreads: acting relaxed and feeling accepted only around others the same age- then perhaps the spreading continues onto Internet pages, into the privacy of cell phones and eventually leads our every action.


God created each of us to be one individual person; hence we are not complicated. Sin is not complicated and neither is goodness. Yes, sin messes with what is pure and tries to appear larger and more detailed but the truth I have witnessed is just the opposite! WE are the ones making something complex. God is the author of simplicity.

Knowing the simplicity of the Christian life is definitely vital material for the way we think! I have to ask myself "Am I too complex?"


So, what is it exactly that makes us enjoy not being who we really are? Why are we prone to complication? I have found that when I'm in my greatest time of need I never once give a thought to fearing God. God, you know, the Creator of all, the Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End? Yes, that God; the same magnificent Christ who forgave us for the very turning of our eyes that we do on a daily basis. Our turning to the right or to the left multiplies and clouds the straight and narrow path.


So who are we? We are children of God, created, breathed into being, not complicated, not confusing, never too small or too big, complete in Him. Who do I act like I am? Confused, alone, over-wrought by sin, only comfortable in selfishness? My unbelief has led me to realize that lie #13 is no easy trip. I didn't believe that God loved. I didn't believe God really did and still does have a hope and a future planned out. So what did I do then? Of course we know in our heads that we are empty without Christ but in practicality we have no choice but to believe the truth and live by the truth or fill the gaps with other things. The gaps even lie to us and say "Ah, well it's only TV! Just replace the time with something else and you won't be addicted." or "Everyone has a facebook and everyone plays around with it! So what?"


The problem I've found with merely dancing around an addiction or watching my time management is this: there is rarely a heart problem brought to the surface. I have been in a lie so deep that the only way to grow closer to freedom was to speak it. Talk it out. Get someone to mentor you.

Why am I filling up my time deciding what kind of person I want the world to see? I have found unbelief to be the root. The idols that filled my life did not end up giving me the freedom and peace I needed. There was no peace in merely imagining being liked. I am adored by the Father! We all are adored and that is crazy and unimaginable! Taking time to investigate THAT might be worthwhile. Good thing God is genuine with us, huh?

Faith Mae