Need a Good Lie?

Lies are all around us – we see them daily.  I loved how Jennifer at “Smelling Coffee” wrote about a thousand lies. Please, take the time to click on that link and view the photoshopped celebrity faces. Then, take a close look at the graphic above – also photoshopped. There is a yellow square around four of the Democratic congresswomen:

Altered photograph: according to the Associated Press and other news sources, staff of the office of the Minority Leader of the US House of Representatives "Photoshopped" or otherwise digitally-manipulated the group portrait of the Democratic congresswomen of the 113th US Congress by adding with software the faces of four women who could not arrive at the location in time to join the photographed group in person.

Why? Most likely so they could all be seen in one photo – so no one would be, or feel, left out. Isn’t that why we all attempt to appear as what we are not?

I see so many of our young ladies dress in the latest fashion, attempt to match celebrity dress and/or makeup. Trying hard to match an image that is not real.  I am reminded constantly that “reality” shows aren’t either.  Oh, yes, the people are photographed without their having to learn scripts, but the shots are set up, and simply by having a camera present changes people. Turn a spotlight on someone and, I promise, they will act differently than when the spotlight is on someone else.

We’ve been given an example to follow:

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)

We’ve been told how to move from good through acceptable to perfect, and instead we opt for being liked by our peers. We can’t see beyond the photoshopping, fake ‘reality’, to the truth available to us.

Don’t think it stops at teenagers. We adults are just as guilty of wanting to fit into the right neighborhood, job, organization – we want that spotlight on us, too, and usually for all the wrong reasons. None of that will make the changes in our lives that bring peace.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

Read that whole book to see what Paul says we need to do to have God’s peace keep our hearts and minds.  It’s not a long book, and much is contained in this one verse:

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. (Philippians 4:1)

Stand fast in the Lord, and remember where liars without repentance end up:

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:7-8)

Thank you very much, but I’d rather be among those who inherit.