Phony Baloney

Like a coating of glaze over earthenwareare fervent lips with an evil heart.

Proverbs 26:23 (NIV)

Halloween is a day of masks and costumes. The more effective the costume, the less likely you are to recognize who is behind the mask. Disguises, false fronts, pretending—for many Halloween is just a game. But for some, pretending is a way of life.

Fervent lips may say shiny, zealous words but cover up a heart with wrong motives. What you see is not what you get. Think of that day that Mary of Bethany broke the alabaster box to anoint Jesus. It was a beautiful picture of extravagant love. But Judas spoke up. “Why was this fragrant oil not sold . . . and [the money] given to the poor?” (John 12:5, NKJV). Doesn’t that sound noble, even caring? “Oh, the poor. Nobody cares for the poor but me!”

John 12:6 gives us a glimpse behind the mask of Judas’s heart. “This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it” (NKJV). Now we see Judas didn’t care about Jesus or Mary or the poor. He only cared for himself. With his lips he drew near, but his heart was far, far away.

A lot of women believe what they want to believe about a man. Some men will fervently tell you anything you want hear so they can get what they want. “Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.” So the moral is, be wise. In the light, lies aren’t as convincing.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

In Titus 2 older women are encouraged to teach the younger women. One area of instruction that is sadly lacking involves sexuality, romance, and true love. Hollywood has conditioned girls from age two to equate a handsome face with a beautiful heart. Lust puts on a mask and calls itself love. Do young women desire instruction? I think many definitely do. There are excellent Christian books written on this subject; will you pick one up and read it? Will you pray for some young women you know? If you are single, will you bond with others to pray and hold each other accountable?

One Year Bible Reading

Lamentations 4:1–5:22; Hebrews 2:1-18; Psalm 103:1-22; Proverbs 26:23