Pretense
How could people live in such pretense? And how could I have been so blind to it?But I guess some people do live in pretense, but are so used to it, that it is reality to them. The pretense of having it all, the outward projection to others that one is doing well, having the latest of everything, and being branded from head to toe. Embalmed in Gucci, Prada and LV, I can never understand. The need to look your best at all times, never showing your weaker self, as it is a sign of vulnerability. Yes, we do all live in a world of pretense. I could never stand being in that world - the false cheap compliments, the fake smiles, chats on high society, on haves and have-nots...
I treasure those who dare to show their true selves, who are not trapped by the need to possess material things to show their worth. Those who confess that they have weaknesses, those who give you real compliments and tell you the truth even when it hurts, those who have a heart for others, not so engrossed in themselves and making themselves look good. There are so many others out there, who have a need, to love or be loved, whose needs far exceed that of owning the latest gadgets. Do we want to leave this earth and consume as much as we can possibly get our hands off, never once... making a difference even in another's lives?
It's always easier said than done. As after all, when we step out, we step into that world of pretense. But, it is possible. Why buy things you don't need to impress people you don't like? How could I have been so blind?
posted by emeryz @ 8:43 PM
2 Comments:
Very insightful post. A few thoughts about this:
Because of The Fall, our perception of reality is blinded by our own sin. That's why, like you said, we try to adorn ourselves with all that pretense and material stuff. A lot of this behavior is really rooted in pride, which is probably the worst sin (in fact, a lot of sinful behavior can be traced back to pride). The proud live for themselves and love to draw attention to themselves.
Your second paragraph touches on two key themes: first, God calls us to be humble. Only the humble are able to admit their weaknesses and be truthful with their compliments, because the humble are fully aware that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. The Scriptures make it clear that God gives grace to the humble. It is actually very hard to be humble, because it is not human nature to be humble, due to our sin.
Second, your second paragraph also has hints of the greatest commandment -- we need to love one another.
You also mentioned about materialism and the need to "have it all." That reminds me of a passage in the Bible:
"Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." (1 Timothy 6-8)
God is saying that we should be content with just basic food and clothing alone!
And I recently learned that, even without those things, we are still called to praise God.
"Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
(Habakkuk 3:17-18)
A tough call indeed.
Anyway just a few thoughts. It's a fallen world that we live in, and we struggle with pretense and sin everyday. But thanks to our Savior, we can always look forward to enjoying an eternity with Him... and I praise God for that.
Thank you for the encouragement & for identifying with what I wrote! Such deep analysis! Haha... :)
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