The Cover-up.

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- Day 142 -

Is "The Cover-up" 

part of your wardrobe?

Have you ever noticed that some people are comfortable letting it all hang out on the beach and others are much more modest about it?  Modesty is about covering up, so as not to bring attention to your physical body.  A summer cover-up can certainly help.  For some, it's about covering up all the lumps and bumps that excess eating and lack of exercise puts on us.  For others it's about denying visual access to everyone around, so as not to ignite impure imaginations.  For many, it's a little bit of both.

This morning while I was praying, the LORD reminded me of an old Christian friend.  I can't help it --  as much as I love her,  whenever I think of her,  I am consumed with the fact that she is so cheap!  She's stingy!   Like Ebenezer Scrooge, she brings tightness of money to a whole new level.  It's embarrassing.  "Free her of that, LORD!"  I pray.  I keep hoping that she'll get delivered of that nasty way, but nope -- it only seems to get worse with age.

The LORD wasn't that impressed with my prayer.  His perspective rather shocked me.

You're a "Cover-er"  He said.  She's not.  

With her, what you see is what you get. 

He's right.  I don't hang out my dirty laundry for all to see.  I am a cover-er.  Shouldn't we all be?  Perhaps that's a personal preference, but regardless the fact stands... 

When it comes to God,

nothing's covered!

It's all out in the open.

Sure, my friend's stinginess may stick out for all to see, but what about the rest of us?  -- Those who cover up?   Even though others are not privy to our faults, God sees them all!   Many think more of themselves than they ought to.  Some have brought being judgmental to a whole new level.  Some are filled with the ugliness of pride.  Some are liars.  They twist the truth so often they're not sure themselves, what's actually true and what's not.  Some people are self-righteous.  Some are are self-reliant.  Some are self-indulgent.  Some are plain old selfish. -- They always put themselves before others.  

Take note:   Pretty much anything with the word 

"SELF" in it is not so good!

The list goes on...  Some don't follow through with God.  He says,  "Do this"   and they don't.  He says  "Do that."  and they forget.  He says,  "Can you help me with this today?"  and they're too busy.  Some only want to hear God when it's in their best interest.  Hmmmmm.  We never see any of those things.  They're hidden.  All that said, I have to wonder...

Do my hidden faults 

stick out like a sore thumb 

when God looks at me?

Does God see my hidden 

selfishness the same way I 

see my friend's stinginess?

Yikes!

God loves us regardless!  

   That's step 6.

When we realize that we're all the same boat, it's easier to love our neighbor, unconditionally.  

Instead of focussing on what's 

wrong with everyone, 

we need to remain mindful that there's something wrong 

with ALL OF US!  

No one is fault-free.  

Some are just better at covering up! 

Instead, let's choose to look at what's right.   It's right that we're drawing unto God together.  Some are in the boat.  Some are reaching for the boat.  Some are in the water, oblivious that there is a boat.  Some want to try to do it themselves -- they'll just tread water awhile until they tire.

We must never forget... 

We ALL need The Boat!

In RED shoes, 

Gail

Lord... Forgive me for shifting my focus.  I so desperately want to love others the way you do.  I know that this is at the top of your list and I want it to be at the top of mine.  Thank you for pointing out my error.  Thank you for being my example.  Keep  giving me opportunities to love those around me with your love.  Keep correcting me.  Keep working on me until I get this right -- every time.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.