Kyle Idleman continues Chapter 4 of The End of Me by noting that, in God’s kingdom economy, much is determined by the audience you choose. If your primary interest is in what other people think, your reward is their applause or attention. In Matthew 6:1, Jesus says, “Be careful not to practice you righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Pastor Idleman explains the problem with this approach:
“The problem comes when we metabolize a habit into a philosophy and come to believe that our faith is defined by things we do with no reference to the heart.”
Conversely, Kyle states, coming to the end of me means you are through with the emptiness of that charade and only seek to praise God. The reward is from God rather than people- and we are not consumed by appearances. Kyle adds:
“God calls us to live one life and live it out in the open. HIs mane for that is purity of heart, and his reward for that is rich and fulfilling blessing in life.”
While very instinct we have draws us to deeply cover our sin, giving the impression we have all the answers, the real me needs to experience the real life available in Christ.
Today’s question (from Kyle): In what ways are you sometimes inauthentic with others? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Our level of emptiness”
