The Heart of the Matter

As I read Mike Howerton’s blog today (http://mikehowerton.blogspot.com/2009/03/well-scrubbed-version-of-me-part-1.html), I realized that I too, tend to put forth “well scrubbed” versions of myself online. But it doesn’t begin or end online. Not only do I do this in my online relationships, but I do this in my “face” relationships as well.

“What’s wrong with that?,” you might ask. It shows that we care about others’ perceptions of us, and thus, about ourselves. It shows that we care about the feelings of others. From these standpoints, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

God says: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men… Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

To me, this is the difference. Our “scrubbing” becomes problematic only when our motives are greatness before our fellow man rather than to be pure and holy before God. So it is not only important that we are aware of our constant “scrubbing,” but also that we are aware of the motives behind it.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Copyright © 2009 by Teresa L. Haymaker