The Real You

Search me, O God, and know my heart . . . and see if there is any wicked way in me.

Psalm 139:23-24

On the three days preceding Ash Wednesday, just prior to the beginning of Lent, raucous celebrations are held in many countries around the world. In the United States, the celebrations are called Mardi Gras, and in most other countries, Carnival. One of the main features of these festivals is masks that hide the true identity of the participants.

Given what takes place at Mardi Gras and Carnival, hiding one’s identity is understandable. It’s also understandable when world rulers and others in authority try to hide their true identity—in other words, their true motives for decisions and policies.

But hiding one’s identity from God is a futile endeavor. He knows the heart and desires of every person. When God showed Daniel the four beasts representing the four nations that would rule up until the coming of Christ, He revealed their true identities: ravenous beasts intent on world domination. When we are trying to be someone we’re not, we fool no one but ourselves.

Instead of being someone you’re not, be the person God knows you are. Better yet, be the person He created you to be—one who brings honor and glory to Him.

Hypocrisy is too thin a veil to blind the eyes of the Almighty.

WILLIAM GURNALL