Day 13 - Getting presentable is an inside job
Scripture focus: So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. Hebrews 10:22-25 The Message
I once read a story about a man who was awakened early one morning by a phone that wouldn't stop ringing. It was an awkward situation, because he was a guest in someone else's home. After 50 unanswered rings, he decided to take charge. He answered the phone but the sound persisted. Finally, following the loud ringing, he discovered a bird cage tucked away in the corner of the kitchen. Lifting the cover, he stared into the eyes of a Grey African parrot who happened to have a perfect imitation of a phone. He used this illustration to discuss the difference between "parroting" the right words, and actually walking the talk. Although the parrot could sound like a phone, he would never actually become a phone.
Keep a firm grip (The Message) – Profession (King James Version) – homologia – to say with conviction
One who professes says what they mean and means what they say – and acts accordingly. True professions of faith are made by people who care about what God cares about and do what God does. Plenty of people can talk about what God says, know what God's word teaches – but live in contradiction to those beliefs.
Bill Thrall and Bruce McNicol call this The Great Disconnect.
"The Great Disconnect: So many Christians say the right thing and then live the wrong life."
Becoming presentable inside and out does not mean that we pursue perfection. It means that we become transparent. We get honest about what we're feeling, thinking, believing, and perceiving. This is a great first step. People might say of us, "Well, they keep it real."
But is "keeping it real" the point, or a point in time?
After we figure out and can articulate (confess) all this internal stuff, we learn how to get a grip. This requires that we take our body (appetites) and soul (personality and emotions) and hold all that up to the mirror of God's word. We peer intently – not just into our navel, but also into the word of God. It is as we compare and contrast body, soul, and spirit that our lives will become a living proof of what we really profess. If we are confident that God is who he says he is, we will allow him to have his way with our body and soul. If we don't, then we will continue to lead with our chin – the appetites, emotions and personality in charge of what we do with our daily living. Will we be a parrot, or will we allow God to form us into something useful?
Recommended reading: Exodus 38-40
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