The grace of Christ means we don’t have to fake it… With Him, with others and even with ourselves. It’s ok to not be ok. AND it’s ok if others know we aren’t ok and don’t have it all together.
Faking it is hard work… Exhausting. Putting on fronts. Always being “on”. Lies to cover up lies to hide the ugly or dark parts of our lives. On and on. You can’t get the help you need if you’re living in such a way that portrays you have it all together.
I am well acquainted with the stifling prison of perfectionism. I know what it’s like to feel as though you can’t mess up; to feel like you aren’t allowed to struggle with the difficult things if life. You’re supposed to know what to do in every situation, and do it without doubt or hesitation. So that’s what you do – with fake confidence and a fake smile; all the while knowing on the inside you’re a fraud. When I allow shame and my pride to keep me from admitting my sin, fear, weakness, needs… and asking for help… I suffer. The people I love suffer.
There have been times I have put myself in that hamster wheel. There have also been times where I have allowed others to burden me with unrealistic expectations. Either way it’s absolute exhaustion and misery. Because “fake it till you make it” only works if “making it” is possible. It’s not. Perfection will never happen for us in this lifetime. Faking it only prolongs the agony, preventing help and healing. This is especially true for the Christian who doesn’t truly and fully understand grace.
Jesus is the answer! The grace, acceptance, mercy and forgiveness He provides for us in the gospel – His work on our behalf is what we have been looking for. The help and healing He provides for us through the ministry of others is what He will use to break us from the prison of fakery. There is no freedom like that if total honesty. There’s no feeling like the deep joy of being fully known and yet still fully loved and accepted.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” – Jesus Christ
Are you tired of feeling like you always have to be ok? Are you tired of hiding sin, mistakes, fears, anxieties, etc.? Get honest with God – He’s not surprised anyway. Get honest with yourself. Find people you know and trust who can help and get honest with them. It just might save your life; and probably a lot of other things as well.