No Filter
In a world filled with social media posts and picture taking, it’s imperative to get the right shot. The sunlight has to appear on our face just so, and our angle has to be just right! So much so that we can’t even keep count of how many photos are taken and deleted, just to get the perfect pose; and then, you can’t just post the picture, it must have a filter.
A filter in its simplest form, is a device used for removing impurities that pass through it. Filtered images are used to alter the appearance of an image, enhance or emphasize certain features or remove those features the picture taker or subject find unflattering.
Think about that, how can we be our true selves if everything we show is filtered?
Authenticity is something many of us struggle with. Always put your best foot forward; first impressions are lasting impressions; leave your issues at the door; never let them see you sweat. Do any of these statements sound familiar? Have you ever used them yourself? In essence, there’s nothing wrong with any of that as long as they are put into perspective.
But there are times when we just can’t muster up the strength to go another day, we can’t hide our emotions behind our makeup, and there’s only so many times we can re-apply mascara to hide our raccoon eyes from our flowing tears. At some point, we just have to remove the mask and let go of who we think we are supposed to be, so that we can embrace who we actually are, which is, beautifully and wonderfully made in the image of Christ.
Some see authenticity as a weakness, but it actually requires courage and strength. God tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, that we should gladly boast in our weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on us; and as we share with others, we show them that our brokenness causes us to see our need to depend on Christ who gives us our true strength.
In seeking to walk out authenticity, we must constantly ask ourselves this very important question; Am I trying to win the approval of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Ouch!! This phrase forces us to sit back and examine our motives; and to think about whether we are putting up a façade so that others will see us in a certain light, albeit counterfeit. Will we be willing to remove the mask we often hide behind, showing our true self, flaws and all?
Let love be genuine (without hypocrisy), hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good,
Romans 12:9
Now we know in all things we must ask for and use the wisdom afforded to us by our Heavenly Father on how much and when to share, but as a general rule we should offer up our authentic selves as much as possible; perusing honest relationships for intimacy and not for networking opportunities. No more saying yes when our heart says no, and ensuring our motives align with God’s word and not our flesh; so that we can exhibit genuineness, sincerity and honesty to others.
Let us remember that when we pretend, it only magnifies our insecurities. Let’s make the most of our fellowship among others with “No Filter”.
Angela Scott
CHM Contributor
