I am sure we can all agree that we like it when people keep it real with us. Husband to wife, child to parent, friend to friend.
No one likes it when people pretend or mislead them. You know that deceiver who tries to win your heart with the words from a movie? That is just not right!
Can you imagine someone proposing to you using a speech found online, or worse, using the same words said to a previous partner?
Everyone deserves honesty and sincerity—no matter how simple. If we humans appreciate sincerity, how much more does the Lord?
When you look at many Bible passages, you see the Lord Jesus keeping it real and simple; in fact, He was unbelieved by authorities due to His simple appearance and approach. They expected the Messiah to appear in royal attire! Take the Lord’s Prayer, for example, simple and sincere:
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (Matthew 6:11-12)
Look at the example used: bread. Not a three-course meal of the best meat dishes, but bread!
Of course, He wasn’t talking about the physical bread but His Word, the Bread of Life. Going back to the Prayer: Do you know you can pray at any time and place, using your own words? What is this? A simple and sincere prayer—keeping it real with the Lord.
Don’t try, and imitate the prayer of your Pastor or look for eloquent words. Use your own words and situations, and go before the Lord with a sincere heart. He is ready to listen and answer your unscripted prayer!
May the God of the Bible bless you,
Bishop Bira Joshua