The Great Pretender

Don’t just pretend to love others. 

Really love them. 

Hate what is wrong. 

Hold tightly to what is good.

Romans 12:9

 

One of the most fun times, as a child, was playing pretend.  We would pretend to be cops and robbers.  We would pretend to be superheros.  And if there was a refrigerator box or a stove box, the pretending kicked into high gear!  But pretending was part of the adventure of growing up.  When did pretending become part of being a grown-up?

 

I was a Communications Major in college with an emphasis on Theater Arts.  As such, I took part in several productions where I was expected to play a part (pretending).  We were taught that on the day of the performance (which was in the evening) we were supposed to "get into character" and pretend to be that character all day.  There were times when my friends most likely believed my only part in all the productions was as the village idiot.  

 

But think for a moment how we still pretend as adults.  I've seen people who will smile to your face and even I can tell it's fake. There are people who will pretend to care and then push you out of their way.  When do we stop pretending and be honest?

 

Read Paul's words to the church in Rome again: "Don't just pretend to love others. REALLY love them! Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good."  Today would be a good day to stop pretending and being honest with God, yourself and others, don't you think?