It was the week of my birthday. I greeted my students and asked about their plans for the upcoming weekend and made small talk as they logged into Zoom. One of my live students quizzed me about my birthday plans, so I confided that I would love nothing more than to spend my Friday at the beach. Then, I inserted a healthy dose of pessimism and lamented the possibility of rain. With a flash of insight that only a sixth grader might possess, this resourceful student informed me that the situation was much simpler than I realized. She suggested that I march right in to my family and inquire, "Are YOU the real ones?" Curiosity got the best of me so I asked for a definition. She was so glad that I asked...
"Real Ones" are apparently people who have your back and would walk through fire with you. They are authentic go-to-the-ends-of-the-earth-for-you types. Without a doubt, they are the friends/family members who are always in your corner, fighting for you when you are weak and celebrating when you succeed. As I thought about her words, the weight of the concept really sank in. I ventured further and asked what my family might do for me if they proved to be "real ones." She brightly explained that they would create a memorable indoor beach experience for me (right in my house) just to see me smile. No sunshine necessary! Her understanding of family dynamics meant that obstacles are never excuses for inaction.
This begged another question. Am I a real one? Do I serve God and others out of obligation, personal convenience or pure devotion? It matters more than we may realize.
Sacrifice is an earmark of true believers. It isn't a popular concept to take up one's cross to follow Christ and yet that is our mandate. We live in a society that glorifies beauty, comfort, individualism and happiness. Would our lives stand up to scrutiny if there were no blessings promised? Do we have a relationship that is REAL (based on worship) or is God merely our genie in a bottle? Are we willing to reject a "me" mentality and adopt a "we" mentality? We are placed into darkness to be a light. Yet are we reflecting the authentic Gospel of Jesus or are we creating Him in our own preferred image? Authenticity implies vulnerability. "Real" people understand that rather than demanding perfection, God empowers us for the difficult journey to become more like Him every day. Yet not a single moment is wasted.
Even those closest to Jesus had questions about his authenticity. When John the Baptist was sitting in prison, doubts began to plague his mind. He asked Christ a poignant question (by way of the messengers) “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” This is ironic, coming from a man who had baptized folks and proclaimed the message of Jesus with conviction. During the most painful moments in his life, he needed reassurance. As a person who sometimes questions everything, I can appreciate a savior who is not offended by human frailty. He identifies with us as BOTH God and man. Humility is a doorway for grace to enter. Thomas was a disciple in the Bible who would not believe until he put his hand into Jesus' wounds. At that moment, he knew that Jesus was "THE REAL ONE." The challenge has been issued and it echoes throughout the ages: Will you be the real ones?
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong.
Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:9 New Living Translation
Wow! What a strong message. It will make all of us reflect on that question, "Am I a real one?" I have been so aware of my failings and sins lately. With curfews and social distancing, I have had a lot more time to think and to meditate on my relationship with God. It is only by His grace that I can be a real one. Thank you, Wendy, for sharing and opening up my eyes to this concept. God bless you always.