I Want To Be Real

I got this encouragement in my e-mail today from Pastor James MacDonald at Walk in the Word and just felt the need to share. A lot of people who are non-Christians say Christians are hypocrits so why would they want to be a part of that. I've had times in my walk that I can relate to that statement. I pray my thoughts and deeds are genuine.

O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Psalm 139:1-6

I want to be real. I don't want to force it or fake it or fix it after the fact.I just want to be real.

I want to operate from truth, not from pressure to please or perform for people. I don't want to choose from fear of what others will think of me or of my motives. I want to choose what I know is right because it's good and because it pleases You. Help me, God. I want to be real.

I have the information mostly. I know I'm supposed to read and pray, and I know about worship, too. I know I'm supposed to witness and work for the kingdom, and I know about loving others more than myself. Oh, yeah, I know all the stuff. I know nearly everything I'm supposed to know, and most of all I know that knowing is not enough, because it doesn't displace the denial in my heart. Help me, God. I want to be real.

By real, I mean ready, filled with anticipation when I arrive at Your house to worship You, heartfelt worship. Yeah, that's real.

By real, I mean ready with thanks for the cascade of blessings raining down on my head in this and every moment, genuine gratitude. Yeah, that's real.

By real, I mean an easy choice of obedience to silence my demanding flesh which calls me to choose what You lovingly forbid, obedient holiness. Yeah, that's real.

By real, I mean ready to be generous to people in need, not hoarding or hiding or helping out of guilt. Yeah, giving freely and continuously. That's real for sure.

Help me God. I want to be real.

http://www.walkintheword.com/WeeklyWalk.aspx