“We conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and Godly sincerity.” 2 Corinthians 1:12 NKJV.
“Being superficial or artificial is never good, especially in one’s spiritual life.”
My thoughts today are about “Godly sincerity.”
There is much superficiality and artificiality in our culture and society. People and things are presented as something other than they are. With the amazing technology of digital graphics today, it is difficult if not impossible to distinguish between real cinematography and the most amazing computer-generated special effects. Remember the musical group, “Milli Vanilli”? In 1989, they won a Grammy award for best new artist, until it was discovered they were not the actual voices on the recording. Their award was rescinded and they were shamed out of the business. They pretended to be something that they were not and were exposed as frauds.
“You can fool some of the people all the time, and all the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” Abraham Lincoln 1809-1865. You really should not try to fool anyone anytime. God is not fooled anytime, and eventually, others are not either. I suggest there may be no area of life in which being superficial or artificial is worse, than in your spiritual life. There will be a day when every word and work of man is revealed as authentic or artificial. “Every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then each of us shall give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:10-12. That is a sober warning to one and all.
Here’s Paul’s advice: “That you will not only love much, but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life that Jesus will be proud of: bountiful fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all.” Philippians 1:9-11 The Message. Is your love for God sincere and real? Are you real with your family and friends? Do you love, respect, and appreciate others sincerely? It is important “that people get what they see.” In the medieval play, “Hamlet,” a father’s advice to his son is this: “This above all: to thine own self be true, And then it must follow, as night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” William Shakespeare.
“Be sincere . . until the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:10 NAS. “Sincere” is an interesting word, derived from two Latin words, “sine cera,” that mean, “without wax.” The word from the Greek New Testament means, “sun-tested.” When Paul wrote today’s verse, on occasion during the process of making fine porcelain a piece might be flawed. If fine cracks appeared during the process in the kiln, an unscrupulous merchant would fill those smallest of cracks with wax to mask a blemish from an unsuspecting buyer. Unless it was held up to the light of the sun; then the light shining through the wax-filled cracks would expose its “lack of sincerity,” and the object would be devalued, maybe impossible to sell. So much is revealed by the Light! See John 3:16-21 NKJV.
“Be sincere” is good advice; be sincere in your words, with family and friendships, your conduct, your faith, your love, and especially in your spiritual life. Let it be said of you, “We conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and Godly sincerity.” 2 Corinthians 1:12 NKJV. Simplicity and Godly sincerity are the most attractive and valuable of personal virtues.
My prayer for you today is: live with nothing hidden, nothing faked, always sincere.