If You’re Wise, You Won’t Disguise
By Rick Warren
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17 NIV).
A mark of wise people is that they don’t try to hide their weaknesses.
The Bible says true wisdom is “impartial and sincere.” Those words in Greek both sound like “hypocrite,” and for good reason: They mean “without hypocrisy” or “straightforward.”
Greek theater often featured just a few actors in an entire play who would repeatedly change parts. They would hold masks in front of their faces for each part, and one person could have five or six different masks and parts. That person, that actor, was called a hypocrite.
If you’re wise, you’re not phony. You don’t wear masks and try to be something you’re not. You’re genuine and authentic. What others see is what they get! You don’t strive for perfection or pretend like you’ve already achieved it. You’re aware of your weaknesses, and you don’t try to hide them.
Proverbs 28:13 says, “You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins” (GNT).It’s ridiculous to pretend that you’ve got it all together, because nobody does.
When you start telling people what your weaknesses are, they’re not going to be shocked. They’re already aware. Everybody knows your weakness. If you won’t admit your weaknesses, you’re the only one! We see each other’s weaknesses all the time, and most people are more than willing to point out the weaknesses in others. But we don’t want to point out our own.
If you’re wise, you won’t disguise your weaknesses. People appreciate honesty—when you are straightforward about where you are. It helps the people you’re sharing with to be more open, because they might be struggling, too.
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Daily Hope 2018 Prayer Journal
Learn how to pray prayers that expect answers!
Do you sometimes struggle with how to talk and listen to God? The good news is he longs to hear your prayers, whether it’s a bold cry or a whisper. And your words don’t need to be perfect. He delights in you when you come before him—in thanksgiving and petition.
Jesus says in John 15:7 . . .
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
So the key to praying with hope and expectation is abiding in Christ—and we want to help you do that with the all-new Daily Hope Prayer Journal. Your faith will be strengthened and you will be blessed as you look back on your written prayers and see how God has faithfully answered them.
It has a soft cork-like cover on the outside, while inside you’ll find . . .
• Bible verses and suggestions to help you pray for specific people and situations
• Practical encouragement for your prayer life from Pastor Rick
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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