The man tried way too hard to be funny, engaging, telling
bad jokes. He made himself ridiculous, his manner so forced that, at times, he
was actually offensive. I felt sad for him, wanting desperately to pull him
aside and say, “Give the act a rest and just be ‘you.’” He is a ‘wannabe.’ The dictionary define ‘wannabe’ this way: "a person who aspires to a role or
position, who imitates the behavior, customs, or dress of an admired person or
group." Sometimes they are funny, sometimes pathetic, and in time a wannabe
is just annoying. Wannabes are often indistinguishable from the authentic, a
first glance. The difference becomes obvious when the wannabe has to actually produce results like the real
person. The wannabe, because he hasn't put in the time learning the skills,
getting the education, and developing the art, is unable to come through in the
crunch.
Being a wannabe is essentially a fraudulent life. The lack
of substance and/or accomplishment causes the pretender to live a lie, which
erodes his integrity and steals his credibility. The wannabe knows another
tragic result - he never finds out who he
really is or what he is really capable of doing. Focused on trying to be
somebody else, he misses the joy of being who God created him to be, joyfully
filling the place in this world that God, through spiritual gifts, experiences,
and opportunities, creates just for him.
Here's the direct question - are you a 'for real' Christian or a 'wannabe?' Have you submitted
your life to Christ in full surrender, allowing for a complete transformation
of heart and mind OR are you just trying to imitate the lifestyle of a Believer
you admire? God, the Spirit, does not
desire that you merely copy a Christian experience that you admire. He wants to make you a saint, inside out! The
Word says, "His divine power has
given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him
who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his
very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in
the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil
desires." (2 Peter 1:3-4, NIV) “Be
transformed, by the renewing of your mind.”
The foundation that allows us to ‘get real’ with God, with
ourselves, and with our world is the love of God for us. God will not love you
more if you are thinner, taller, smarter, admired by others, rich, or dressed
in the latest fashion. He loves YOU. He wants us to deal with our sin, to love Him
back with obedience. What kind of obedience? Real! Jesus told a story to a group of religious leaders
who knew all the right words, who were wannabes, to illustrate that point. A man had two sons to whom he gave a
direction. The first son waffled about compliance, actually refusing the order,
but then changed his mind and did as he was told. The second son answered him, “Of
course, right away,” but did nothing. It
was not the words that mattered, it was obedience. Jesus then offers this amazing
insight: “I tell you the truth, corrupt
tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do."
(Matthew 21:31, NLT)
God made you a unique
person with preparations to fill a place in this world that belongs exclusively
to you.
Self-acceptance can be difficult. Looking in the mirror-
physically and spiritually - reveals reality which isn't always pretty. But, we
are basically worthless to God and ourselves until we face the facts, get real,
and let Him begin to transform us. He offers us His Spirit to work on us but
not just for a 'make-over' on the outside. He creates real disciples, full of the
Spirit, marked by a depth of character that no one can deny! This
transformational process is called sanctification. That just a big word for
'becoming like Christ' through the school of the Spirit! There will be blunders
along the way, but - if we are committed to Him and to being authentic- we can
be sure that His promise - "if
anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold,
all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV)- will be true!
Don’t be a ridiculous wannabe, trying too hard to copy the
life or mannerism of another. Get real – with God, with yourself, and discover
the amazing person He created you to be.
______________
There's nothing worth more that will ever come close
No thing can compare You're our living hope
Your Presence
I've tasted and seen of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart becomes free and my shame is undone
In Your Presence Lord
Holy Spirit You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your Presence Lord
Your Presence Lord
Your Presence
Oh God how we love Your Presence Lord
Let us become more aware of Your Presence
Let us experience the glory of Your goodness (Lord)
Bryan Torwalt | Katie Torwalt
© 2011 Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG
Publishing)
Jesus Culture Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
CCLI License # 810055
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