Are You For Real?

"Are you for real?" is an introspective question I am asking myself. I encourage you to read this blog in a personally-questioning way.

As I seek out the real me, I have to consider all the personas that I would like to portray. If I am being honest with myself, I have different personas for different people. I have different personas for different roles. Taking it one step deeper, I am not always honest with God. Finally, I confess that I even try to fool myself sometimes.

I am not suggesting that I have multiple personalities at all. However, I believe that-sometimes-I act differently according to the situation. Perhaps talk differently. My deep desire is to keep it real ALL the time. But, that ain't happening.

Let's explore more...
If I am around highly-educated people, I wish to speak correctly. There's nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, I need to speak correctly all the time--with a few minor exceptions.

If I am at church, I certainly don't want to look like someone who is a sinner. someone who doesn't have it all together....Then I remember Jesus' words--I looked up Mark 2:17 (NLT) to get them right. When Jesus heard this, he told them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."

Then there is the prideful part of me which always wants to be right. I really don't like people telling me I am wrong. I want it done my way. when I want it. I mean, can't people see that I am right? I've been around you know--57 years. Huh!
The Bible speaks much about pride. Here's one that hits home....
Matthew 23:12 (NLT) But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Other times, I need someone to encourage me. Thank God for placing those encouragers in my life at the right time. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

I don't want to be a worry wart, and I don't want to be a scardie-cat. So, I claim the following verses.
Philippians 4:6 (NLT) Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

This did not go as I planned....As I searched out the "true me", I was led to the scriptures. The final realization is: I am a work in progress. But, I must fight spiritually by praying, being in the word, going to church, and seeking God. I must allow God to change me to be the me He wants me to be.
2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!