Reflections 7/22/2020: I was struck by a word in my devotional reading this morning, PRETENSE. “I am your Master, and I do not drive you to be what you are not. Your pretense displeases Me, especially when it is in My “service.” Concentrate on staying close to Me at all times. It is impossible to be inauthentic while you are focusing on My Presence.” Pretense displeases You, Jesus. Pretending to be something I am not. Fake-ness. Inauthenticity. Feigning false images… especially when it is “in Your service.” What does that mean? Hmmm… perhaps trying to seem holy or perfect when there is a lot of ugly stuff swirling around inside of me? Or perhaps judgmental criticism of others when I am just as guilty? Purging pretense starts with honesty. That is why “staying close to You” is the solution to inauthenticity. It is impossible for me to feign ANYTHING when I am genuinely with You. Your Light exposes my pretense like a beacon and a laser rolled into one! “Taaa-Daaa… presenting the naked truth about Lynette!” Dang! No where to run. No where to hide! But relief too. Facades foiled! Just me ‘n You. The trick is taking that nakedness back into a world that thrives on false images… even despite its verbal embracing of authenticity. Just gotta keep my eyes on You, Jesus and listen to Your whispers of encouragement to risk honesty, conviction of duplicity, and guidance of how to live out Your genuine love in a very pretentious world.