We love looking good. We love the praise of others. And we love financial and physical security. Some of us, me included, tend to depend on praise and on security. But then that is all we get, instead of the adventure and joy of living in the sure knowledge of God’s love.
Picture your right and left hands. The one hand goes by the rules of the game, or shows off, or hides behind a mask, all in order to look good. (I’m OK, I’m strong, I’m not in need.) The other hand acts out of real love, real generosity, real trust, real admission of need, and real understanding of others’ needs. That hand doesn’t give a hoot about who sees or doesn’t see them.
May we not let the hand that holds tightly onto the mask and worldly security prevent the other hand from reaching for and acting from, the real treasures of trust in God’s love for each of us.
Liberate us, O God, by your grace, from seeking the good opinion of others and putting personal security first. Liberate us to love and trust and share. Amen. — HV