the imposter

we had an interesting beginning discussion last night with our small group regarding images and the images we build for ourselves. the idea is that when we build images, we try to build something that represents us to the world, and that becomes idolatrous as we start to own our created image rather than the one God intends us to have. brennan manning calls this 'the imposter' -- the mask or self we hide behind to keep the world out and keep all of our humanness in. the imposter becomes the person the world sees and the person we try to become in order to keep others at arm's length so they won't see that we are just as messed up as they are. and the imposter is sure comfortable -- many times in my life it's much easier to put on the mask and assure everyone that my world is ok, than to let down my guard and let them carry my burden for a while. but the beauty of the life of a Jesus follower is that we all are broken and need someone to help carry us sometimes. that's what makes this deal so great -- we aren't alone, as the imposter both makes us and wants us to think we are. we are all in teh same boat, all in need of some rescuing. and the freedom that comes from embracing our true selves, the person that Jesus made and is wanting to renew, is amazing. it's a whole lot better than trying to do it on our own...and think of the model it sets for our kids. to embrace our true self, to let that self be formed into Christs' likeness, to put the idol aside and become who we are...how much would they benefit from seeing us live that out...