“If intimacy is shared experience, then the Incarnation is its greatest expression, its highest articulation, its deepest sacrifice.”- John Ortberg
In Chapter 14 (“At Last: Real Intimacy”), the concluding chapter of I’d Like You More . . . , John Ortberg beautifully describes the Incarnation, in the context of intimacy, as shared experience. Pastor Ortberg notes how, in the Incarnation, God shared our:
- experience of loneliness
- tiredness
- fear and guilt
- joy at having a body
- pain at having that body hurt
- comfort in others embracing us
- despair at feeling God-forsaken
However, several decades ago, two mental health researchers discovered a new disease. Hence, following their study, they named the condition the Imposter Phenomenon. John defines this epidemic:
“It’s the haunting belief that I’m not as smart or tough or good or successful or happy as I’ve lead other people to believe. That the self I have so carefully crafted for you to see is not really me. Ironically, the better I am at crafting this false self — the more applause and approval it wins — the more isolated becomes the true and unloved self I keep carefully hidden.”
Furthermore, the two researchers posit, only one healing exists for the Imposter Phenomenon. That healing? – do precisely what you don’t want to do. Make yourself known. In addition, courageously reveal your fears, inadequacies, and shame. As a result, that enables others to see and love your real self.
Consequently, that presents a problem. For everyone else hides their real selves as well. Thus, Jesus became like us and entered our world. Finally, as Pastor Ortberg explains, in Jesus God became real:
“In Jesus, God became fleshy and messy and needy. God could be touched. God could be hugged. In Jesus, God said, ‘Close is better.’ ”
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you reveal your real self? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Getting close – love and grace catch us unawares”
