Reading
Ephesians 4:15 “but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,”
Reflection
This sermon series has really gotten in my head and heart. I hope it has permeated yours as well! I caught myself practicing question one this week, “Am I being honest with myself…really?” I am an oldest child and a helper by nature. I can easily overlook my own needs and put someone else first. While this sounds like an admirable trait, it can be soul crushing when I am not identifying my own needs. So, this first question in our sermon series is critical in determining my motives.
I had a situation arise this week where I agreed to an idea, thought about it for a few hours, and still felt unsettled but didn’t say anything. Someone very close to me asked, “Are you ok? You have seemed distant and not like yourself.” I took some time that evening to ponder that question and realized that I wasn’t being honest with myself really and needed to go back and confess my real feelings.
Had I not asked the “really” question, I would have moved forward with a decision that would lead to resentment eventually. For me, the one with the savior complex, who likes to sweep in and make everything nice and smooth, being true to my own needs might feel like I’m letting someone down. I’m learning that pleasing others while not attending to my deep needs, leads to unhealth for me. If I have unhealth inside me, it is going to come out and be quite visible to others. In the end, that is a lose/lose for everyone.
Think about your own life. Is there a time recently when you have said yes, but you really meant no? Is there a place of tension that shows you where you need to be honest with yourself? These courageous questions can seem less scary when you remember that you are deeply loved by God who also gives you the strength needed to answer honestly.
Prayer
Dear God, help us to become more and more honest with ourselves so we can be honest with others. Lead us today to do the next loving thing. Amen.
