And the Oscar goes to…..

If you were one of the millions of people watching television on the evening of February 22 (last night), you were probably watching the Oscars, otherwise known as the Academy Awards. This is the annual American awards ceremony that honors cinematic achievements in the film industry and parades a “who’s who” list of presenters across the stage to present a small statuette named “Oscar” to those deemed worthy of the prestigious award.

I am not an actor, but when I think back to some of my performances as a child pretending to be sick so I did not have to go to school, I am pretty sure a few of those moments were “Oscar” worthy. But that is a story for another time as my mom may be reading this.

These professional actors and actresses are afforded the opportunity to do what we all did as kids – they pretend. And when they do it with excellence, they are awarded the much coveted Oscar. A trophy actors and actresses long to embrace. But unless you act for a living, there comes a point when the pretending becomes counter productive.

Here are a few ways the pretending can hurt or stunt our spiritual growth:

1. You may be pretending that a certain problem does not exist when it is looming over you like the sword of Damocles.

• Solution – Stop procrastinating and deal with it.

2. You may be pretending that the sin you are hiding is not really sin.

• Solution – Confess the sin and ask for forgiveness.

3. You may be pretending that you are “doing just fine,” when in reality you are dying inside.

• Solution – Be honest and ask for help. We were not designed to carry life’s burdens alone.

There is another “acting performance” that is not healthy and in fact can be quite destructive. And that is this:

Pretending to be someone other than YOU.

Do you remember the story of David and Goliath? David wanted to face the giant, but he had to convince King Saul to let him fight. Saul finally gave in and allowed David to face Goliath. However, there was one condition: David had to wear King Saul’s armor.

Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. “I can’t go in these,” he protested to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off again.1 Samuel 17:38-39 (NLT)

So David puts on Saul’s armor, takes two steps and says sorry, but I am not wearing this. I have never used armor like this and it simply is not me. He takes off the armor, finds five rocks and well, you know the rest.

The point is this – Do not use precious energy and time trying to be someone you are not.

Ephesians 2:10 says you are God’s unique design. In fact, it says you are His masterpiece.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

You are You for a reason. Do not pretend to be someone else. Everyone in Hollywood wants to embrace an Oscar. But you and I should strive to embrace who we are.

Embrace your true IDENTITY – The unique being God created you to be.

Embrace your true PURPOSE – To have a relationship with the living God.

Embrace your true DESTINY – A journey of faith designed for eternal impact.

David could not pretend to be King Saul just as you and I cannot pretend to be anyone other than who we are – God’s masterpiece. Embrace it.

The world needs you to be you!